Proteome-based diagnostic test shows promise for early cancer detection

A novel proteome-based screening test showed potential for early detection of cancer in a study.

“This study demonstrates the potential utility of a plasma proteome-based test for the early detection of 18 solid tumours, representing all major human organs of origin. We found that a limited set of plasma proteins could differentiate cancer samples from normal ones, and even distinguish between different types of cancers with high accuracy,” said the researchers.

“We also found that the most useful biomarkers for early-stage cancer detection were proteins present in low concentrations in the plasma proteome. Moreover, the study provides evidence that cancer protein signatures are likely sex-specific,” they added.

The sex-specific cancer detection panels comprising 10 proteins showed high accuracy for both males (area under the curve [AUC], 0.98, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 0.96–1) and females (AUC, 0.983, 95 percent Ci, 0.95–1). [BMJ Oncology 2024;3:e000073]

At stage I and at a specificity of 99 percent, the panels were able to identify 93 percent of cancers in males and 84 percent in females. The sex-specific localization panels comprised 150 proteins and were able to identify the tissue of origin of most cancers in >80 percent of cases.

May pave the way for new tests, research avenues

The researchers conducted this study by collecting plasma samples from 440 individuals who were diagnosed with 18 distinct types of cancer as well as from healthy individuals. They focused on early-stage common solid tumours.

“In summary, this study serves as proof of concept for the potential utility of proteomic analysis in the early detection of various cancers. By analysing a comprehensive set of proteomics data and developing cancer-specific protein signatures, we have demonstrated the feasibility and potential performance of this approach for early-stage diagnosis,” said the researchers.

They added that the findings could help kickstart the development of a new generation of screening tests for early cancer detection and eventually “pave the way for a cost-effective, highly accurate, multicancer screening test that can be implemented on a population-wide scale.”

The results also underpin the importance of considering sex-specific protein profiles and downregulated proteins as sensitive biomarkers in early cancer detection, they said. “[T]he identification of low-abundance proteins and sex-specific protein signatures as sensitive biomarkers opens new avenues of research in proteomics and cancer biology.”

Public health implications

The researchers also noted that the findings may have important implications for cancer screening policies. As the diagnostic test outdoes existing technologies, it could provide a more efficient approach to early cancer detection. “This could reshape screening guidelines, making this plasma test a standard part of routine check-ups,” they said.

However, as this is still an initial step into the field of proteomics-based cancer detection, larger studies are needed to ascertain the reliability and generalizability of the results.

“Nonetheless, the results provide a foundation for future research and emphasize the potential of proteomic analysis in revolutionizing cancer diagnosis at the population level … Ultimately, implementation of such a test in healthcare systems could greatly reduce both health and financial burdens associated with cancer,” they said.