A new study from the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute has revealed that biological sex is associated with cancer incidence, its progression and drug response. It has characterized sex differences across 1590 proteomes from eight cancer types. According to the study, even within a cancer type, different forms can affect individual differently. Squamous cell carcinoma lung cancer disproportionately affects males and on the other hand, adenocarcinoma occurs more frequently in females.
Study Examines Sex Differences in Cancer Proteins
In this new study, the team analysed proteomes from 934 cancer patients across eight different types of cancers. They compare proteomic sex differences in normal tissues that neighbour cancer cells. It was found that most cancer types had two or fewer proteins that exhibited sex-differential abundance in the surrounding tissues except lung adenocarcinoma. It had over 300 proteins that showed significant sex differences. The team determined sex-biased proteins across each type of cancer. Lung adenocarcinoma had the most sex-based differences in protein abundance.
Lung Adenocarcinoma Shows Strongest Differences
“Lung adenocarcinoma stood out for its strong sex-based differences in protein levels,” said Dr. Chenghao (Trevor) Zhu, a research assistant professor at Sanford Burnham Prebys and the lead author of the study. “The other lung cancer type we studied—squamous cell carcinoma—had more modest changes.” The researchers also noted that several genes that encode for sex-differential proteins in lung adenocarcinoma have established roles in tumor biology.
Protein Differences Could Support Precision Treatment
“Proteins play a central role in cancer biology, and they are the most common drug targets and biomarkers,” said Boutros. “Better understanding of the cancer proteome and what shapes it is key to treating patients more precisely based on their unique characteristics and those of their cancers.”
Sex-Related Protein Differences in Lung Cancer
The scientists found that protein levels in lung tumors differ between men and women. They also found that lung cancer shows more sex-related protein differences in comparison to other types of cancer.
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FAQ
How does biological sex affect lung cancer?
Research suggests biological sex may be linked to differences in lung cancer incidence, progression, protein levels, and treatment response.
What did the study find about lung adenocarcinoma?
Lung adenocarcinoma showed more than 300 proteins with significant sex-related differences, making it stand out among the cancers studied.
Are lung cancer proteins different in men and women?
Yes. The study found that protein levels in lung tumors can differ between men and women, particularly in lung adenocarcinoma.
Could protein differences improve lung cancer treatment?
Understanding these differences could help researchers develop more personalized treatments and identify new biomarkers or drug targets.
Why are proteins important in lung cancer research?
Proteins play important roles in cancer biology and are commonly used as drug targets and biomarkers, making them valuable for precision cancer treatment.