Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer May Be Possible with Newly Found Biomarkers

the Cancer Therapy Advisor take:

According to a new study published in the British Journal of Cancer, researchers from the Life Science Research Unit at the University of Luxembourg in Walferdange, Luxembourg, have identified two new biomarkers that may contribute to the early detection of colorectal cancer.

For the study, the researchers analyzed tissue samples from patients with various stages of colorectal cancer and from healthy people. The researchers found a large reduction in proteins Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 2 and 6 (SOCS2 and SOCS6) in both precancerous and cancercous colorectal cells. SOCS proteins are crucial to normal cell growth and their absence may play a role in the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells.

In addition, analyses showed that SOCS2 may act as an early predictor of cancer severity. The findings suggest that both proteins, particularly SOCS2, could be utilized as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The researchers hope to translate their findings into a clinical investigation to determine whether SOCS2 can be used as a biomarker to detect colorectal cancer early.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both male and female Americans, and if diagnosed early, 9 in 10 cases can be cured.