B3757 - Early metabolic features of breast cancer susceptibility - 07/04/2021

B number: 
B3757
Principal applicant name: 
Vanessa Tan | IEU
Co-applicants: 
Francisca Ibacache Fuentes, Caroline Bull, Josh Bell, Emma Vincent
Title of project: 
Early metabolic features of breast 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 breast cancer on metabolic traits measured in blood across early life; this should help to reveal what early stages of breast cancer development look like and when they occur. More specifically, we will examine associations of genetic risk scores for breast cancer that has been shown to be influenced by obesity 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 breast cancer by several decades. Recognizing the early signs of breast 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: 
Wednesday, 31 March, 2021
Date proposal approved: 
Wednesday, 7 April, 2021
Keywords: 
Genetic epidemiology (including association studies and mendelian randomisation), Cancer, Metabolomics, Mendelian randomisation