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Pre-diagnostic serum metabolome and breast cancer risk: a nested case-control study
Ly Trinh1, Jaclyn Parks2, Treena McDonald2
1School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
Breast Cancer Research : BCR
|August 27, 2025
Summary
Metabolomics identified 24 serum metabolites linked to breast cancer risk, including dietary factors and plasticizers. Further research is needed to confirm these biomarkers for improved early detection.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Metabolomics presents a novel approach for identifying breast cancer biomarkers.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum metabolite profiles and breast cancer risk.
- To develop risk prediction models using identified metabolites.
Main Methods:
- Untargeted metabolomics profiling of serum samples from 593 breast cancer cases and 593 controls.
- Mass spectrometry was employed for metabolite analysis.
- Logistic regression and partial least squares discriminant analyses were used for statistical modeling.
Main Results:
- 24 out of 837 evaluated metabolites showed significant associations with breast cancer risk.
- 13 metabolites were associated with decreased risk, and 11 with increased risk.
- A plasticizer metabolite, acetyl tributyl citrate, was linked to increased breast cancer risk (OR=1.21).
Conclusions:
- Further studies are required to confirm metabolite identities and validate their association with breast cancer.
- Integrating metabolomics with other 'omics' technologies may enhance clinical risk prediction models.
