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Description
The current proposal concerns the possibility to estimate the risk of breast cancer based on a novel combination of molecular features with anthropometric and lifestyle-related features. We hypothesize that disease-related features of metabolism could be detected in serum, reflecting cancer-promoting conditions (e.g. chronic inflammation) and/or existence of early “preclinical/ symptomless” stages of the disease. We hypothesize that such features (metabolites) can be detected in the serum of individuals who were diagnosed with breast cancer a few years after blood sample collection, even though they were considered “healthy” at that time. Hence, the general hypothesis driving this proposal states that the combination of a serum metabolome profile and lifestyle-related risk factors will allow building a joint classification model for stratification of breast cancer risk in a healthy population.
The proposal provides a unique possibility to explore the underlying biological mechanisms in early breast cancer development, and possibly identify molecular targets to hinder cancer progression. The project could bring biomarker candidates to complement and enhance breast cancer screening programs helping to reduce “over-diagnosis” and subsequent “over-treatment” related to false-positive diagnoses. Hence, the proposal could contribute to pre-diagnostic management, early diagnosis and successful treatment of breast cancer, which are issues with high health and socioeconomic impact in both participating countries.
Summary of project results
Breast cancer is among the most frequent types of cancer and the main cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Worldwide, about 1.5 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, and approximately one-third of them will die due to this malignancy. The prognosis of this malignancy, in addition to treatment efficacy, greatly depends on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Therefore, many developed countries (including Poland and Norway) introduced mammography screening programs for middle-aged women. However, because of several disadvantages of imaging techniques, supplementary molecular markers that could help early detection of breast cancer are highly desired. The SEMPRA project concerned the possibility of estimating the risk of breast cancer based on a novel combination of molecular features with anthropometric and lifestyle-related features. By addressing these challenges, the project aimed to improve early detection methods and contribute to more effective breast cancer prevention strategies.
Specific aims of the project include:
- to identify serum metabolome signature that discriminates individuals who were diagnosed with breast cancer a few years after donating serum from women who remained free of breast cancer,
- to compare the serum metabolome signature of a "high risk of breast cancer" with serum metabolome features of female patients with actual (clinical) breast cancer and other types of malignancies,
- to build a classification model for the stratification of breast cancer risk in the population of healthy women, which will combine features of the serum metabolome and features associated with anthropometric and lifestyle-related risk factors.
The project provided the unique possibility to explore the underlying biological mechanisms in early breast cancer development and possibly identify molecular targets to hinder cancer progression. Moreover, the project could contribute to pre-diagnostic management, early diagnosis and successful treatment of breast cancer, which is to issues with high health and socio-economic impact in both participating countries.
The most significant outcome of this project was the identification of a distinct metabolite profile in the blood serum of women who later developed breast cancer, despite being initially recruited as healthy participants in a population study. As a result, the project contributed new knowledge on the role of lipids, lipoproteins, and metabolites in assessing breast cancer risk, which is crucial for identifying potential molecular targets and intervention strategies to prevent or slow disease progression.
Additionally, the study developed a highly accurate classification model that integrates serum metabolome data with other potential risk factors, such as lifestyle-related variables. This model holds promise for breast cancer risk assessment in healthy populations and may be incorporated into screening programs to enhance early detection.
Ultimately, the findings from this project could have a significant impact on pre-diagnostic strategies, early detection, and more effective treatment of breast cancer, addressing a major public health and socio-economic challenge. The SEMPRA project may be treated as an example of synergy between the EU Cancer Mission and EEA & Norway Grants. As cancer is a disease affecting our society and generating enormous problems for the economy and health policy, the collaboration of Polish-Norwegian researchers may create new therapies and medicines.
Summary of bilateral results
Bilateral collaboration between the polish and norwegian centers was very fruitful and efficient. All goals were achieved, team members visited each others andorganised common workshops.Co-Authors from both institutions appear in all published and submitted works created on the basis of the project''s results which assured continuation of this endeavor or other spin-off initiatives. There was a further project submitted: Project title: Long-term physical activity patterns and female cancer risk: Evidence from the HUNT study; Source of funding: Liaison Committee between the Central Norway Regional Health Authority (RHA) and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).