The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center has received recognition from the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Division of Cancer Control Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program (EGRP). This recognition is for two studies in cancer epidemiology and genomics, focusing on pancreatic and prostate cancer. These studies were among 45 research highlights selected by the NCI. According to Lang Wu, associate professor and director of the UH Pacific Center for Genome Research, the research has identified valuable biomarkers associated with these cancers.
The first study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, examined the links between genetically predicted metabolite levels and the risk of developing Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The researchers found five metabolites strongly linked to PDAC risk and one bacteria linked to both one of the identified metabolites and PDAC risk. This finding may contribute to better treatment options for PDAC.
The second study, published in Human Molecular Genetics, sought to identify new protein biomarkers linked to prostate cancer risk. Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men, and new biomarkers could enhance our understanding of the disease’s origin and risk assessment. The study found 24 proteins associated with prostate cancer risk.