A team of researchers from the University of the Philippines Diliman has identified potential biomarkers for lung cancer detection, a breakthrough that could improve diagnosis and help classify cancer subtypes. This discovery aims to enhance early detection, which is key to lowering lung cancer mortality rates.
Understanding the Need for Biomarkers in Lung Cancer
Local experts note that lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in the Philippines. The researchers began their search for reliable biomarkers due to the current lack of effective indicators for non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), particularly lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), which is the most common subtype.
Biomarkers are measurable biological indicators that assist doctors in diagnosing lung cancer, determining specific cancer types, guiding treatment plans, and predicting patient outcomes. Their role is crucial in improving the precision of current diagnostic methods.
Discovery Through Quantitative Proteomics Analysis
The scientists employed a method called quantitative proteomics analysis to study protein levels in tumor tissues and nearby normal tissues from early-stage Filipino patients diagnosed with NSCLC LUAD. This approach revealed over 4,400 proteins showing abnormal expression in tumor samples.
From this extensive list, the team identified 33 proteins that stand out as promising diagnostic biomarkers for lung cancer detection.
Link to Poor Survival Rates
According to local research sources, “These proteins have aberrant expression at both gene and protein levels, and their gene expressions correlate with poor five-year survival rates among NSCLC patients.” This highlights the potential impact of these proteins in prognosis and patient management.
With the identification of these biomarkers, researchers can now prioritize their development through qualification, verification, and validation stages. This process will ensure these proteins become reliable tools in clinical settings.
Enhancing Current Diagnostic Tools
Experts suggest that these newly discovered biomarkers could complement existing diagnostic tools such as chest X-rays, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, and bronchoscopic examinations. Incorporating these proteins into diagnostic workflows could significantly improve both the accuracy and sensitivity of lung cancer detection.
The research team is actively working to establish a targeted proteomics pipeline at a specialized clinical proteomics laboratory to support the clinical application of these biomarkers.
Research Publication and Collaborative Effort
The findings were published in the international Journal of Proteome Research under the title “Discovery of Key Candidate Protein Biomarkers in Early-Stage Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma through Quantitative Proteomics.” This achievement reflects a collaborative effort among scientists specializing in chemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, and clinical research.
Community leaders said the collaboration involved experts from different institutions, including the University of the Philippines and the Lung Center of the Philippines, underscoring the multidisciplinary approach necessary to tackle lung cancer challenges.
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