Study Pioneers Early Detection Method
Researchers have discovered a blood signature capable of predicting lung cancer risk more than five years before diagnosis, a breakthrough that could revolutionise prevention efforts for Australia’s leading cancer killer.
The study was a collaborative effort between the Francis Crick Institute and University College London, co-led by Dr. Clare Weeden from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI).
Published in Cell, the research identifies a 14-protein blood signature that enhances the potential for early detection and intervention in lung cancer, which currently accounts for a significant number of cancer deaths in Australia.
Potential to Broaden Screening
Existing lung cancer screening programmes primarily target high-risk individuals, such as smokers aged 50 to 70. Meanwhile, this protein signature could enable broader screening across various demographics, including non-smokers.
Dr. Clare Weeden emphasised the importance of this discovery by stating, “Figuring out who is at risk of developing cancer is the holy grail of cancer prevention medicine.”
The research utilised machine learning to analyse blood plasma protein data from over 48,000 UK Biobank participants. As a result, the analysis identified key proteins that could predict lung cancer diagnosis within five years, confirmed across global datasets.
Charlie Swanton, Clinical Research Director at the Crick, highlighted the implications for early intervention, noting that the signature reflects an altered inflammatory lung environment preceding cancer development.
The study also found that blocking the inflammatory signal interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in mice reduced early tumour development, suggesting a potential preventive treatment pathway for humans.
Re-analysis of data from the CANTOS trial revealed that individuals with a high baseline 14-protein signature benefited most from the IL-1β blocker canakinumab, with a nearly 50% reduction in lung cancer risk.
In Australia, around 15,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer annually. A quarter of these cases have no history of smoking, highlighting the need for improved screening methods.
Although tobacco smoking is the main cause, environmental factors like air pollution from traffic and coal burning are emerging as significant risk factors, especially for non-smokers.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in Australia, emphasising the importance of early detection tools for at-risk populations.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:53 am
