Study Reveals Cardiac Biomarkers May Indicate Future Cancer Risk

A recent study from UCLA Health has unveiled a significant connection between cardiac biomarkers and future cancer risk, even among individuals without any history of heart disease. This groundbreaking research suggests that certain blood markers can serve as strong predictors of cancer susceptibility.

The study specifically focused on two cardiac biomarkers: high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Findings indicate that even minor elevations in these biomarkers are associated with an increased risk of developing various types of cancer, particularly colorectal and lung cancers.

Dr. Xinjiang Cai, a cardiologist and physician-scientist at UCLA Health, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating that while these biomarkers are traditionally recognized as indicators of cardiovascular health, their predictive capabilities extend into the realm of oncology. This revelation underscores the intricate relationship between cardiovascular health and cancer risk, suggesting that they may share more than just common risk factors.

The research involved a thorough analysis of data from 6,244 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a cohort study that began in the early 2000s. All participants were aged 45 to 84 and were free from cardiovascular disease and cancer at the study's inception. Over a median follow-up period of 17.8 years, researchers monitored cancer incidents through hospitalization records.

By measuring baseline levels of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP, the researchers were able to establish a correlation between these markers and subsequent cancer risk. Dr. Cai noted that these findings could bridge the gap between preventive cardiology and oncology, paving the way for enhanced risk assessment and prevention strategies for both cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The study's co-authors included experts in cardiovascular medicine, epidemiology, and population health from several prestigious institutions, including UCLA, the University of Washington, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and others. Their collaborative research aims to enhance understanding in both fields and improve patient outcomes.

As the medical community continues to explore the connections between heart health and cancer, this study adds a new dimension to our understanding of how seemingly unrelated health issues may influence each other. Further research could potentially lead to innovative approaches for monitoring and mitigating cancer risk in patients showing elevated cardiac biomarkers.