Biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer risk using multi-omics approaches: a nested case-control study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Metabolomics
• Genetics

Background:

• Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
• Early detection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Identifying non-invasive biomarkers for NSCLC risk is a significant public health goal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel non-invasive serum metabolite biomarkers for early detection of NSCLC risk.
• To investigate the association between identified metabolites, genetic factors (SNPs), and NSCLC risk.
• To examine the influence of lifestyle factors (smoking, diet) on NSCLC risk and metabolite profiles.

Main Methods:

• Utilized ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)/mass spectrometry (MS) for non-targeted serum metabolite screening.
• Analyzed DNA genotyping data for 11 lung cancer-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
• Employed hierarchical density-based spatial clustering to identify metabolite markers associated with NSCLC risk, considering smoking and dietary factors.

Main Results:

• Identified six serum metabolites significantly associated with NSCLC incidence.
• Observed that the association between specific metabolites and NSCLC risk varied by the rs7086803 genotype.
• Found that smoking status and occupational exposures impact metabolite profiles, and vegetable intake may modify NSCLC risk in smokers.

Conclusions:

• The identified serum metabolites can potentially enhance the predictive accuracy for NSCLC risk.
• Dietary vegetable intake might have a diminished or absent protective effect against NSCLC in individuals who smoke.
• Further research into these biomarkers and lifestyle interactions could lead to improved NSCLC prevention strategies.