B3538 - Early metabolic features of adiposity-related cancer susceptibility - 12/05/2020

B number: 
B3538
Principal applicant name: 
Joshua Bell | MRC IEU, University of Bristol (United Kingdom)
Co-applicants: 
Dr Caroline Bull, Dr Emma Vincent, Prof Nicholas Timpson, Dr Marc Gunter
Title of project: 
Early metabolic features of adiposity-related cancer susceptibility
Proposal summary: 

Cancers develop for many years before they are diagnosed. Using data from first-generation ALSPAC offspring, we aim in this study to estimate the effects of being more genetically susceptible to obesity-related cancers that commonly emerge in adulthood on metabolic traits measured in blood across early life; this should help to reveal what early stages of cancer development look like and when they occur. More specifically, we will examine associations of genetic risk scores for different cancers that are known to be influenced by obesity, e.g. colorectal cancer, with traits from targeted metabolomics measured in childhood (age 8y), adolescence (age 15y), and young adulthood (age 18y and 25y). This allows us to view subtle changes in metabolism over time which precede the onset of clinically detectable cancer by several decades. Recognizing the early signs of cancer development is vital for informing early detection, preventing its onset in older age, and improving survival.

Impact of research: 
The likely output of this research will be at least one publication in a general medical or epidemiology journal, the impact of which may be theoretical advancement in active research fields of metabolism and cancer, and recommendations for clinical practice.
Date proposal received: 
Monday, 11 May, 2020
Date proposal approved: 
Tuesday, 12 May, 2020
Keywords: 
Epidemiology, Cancer, Metabolomics, Metabolic - metabolism