Link Between Cardiac Blood Markers and Future Cancer Risk Uncovered

Recent research conducted by UCLA Health has revealed a surprising connection between certain cardiac biomarkers and the risk of developing cancer in the future, even among individuals with no prior or current heart disease. This groundbreaking study suggests that blood markers traditionally used to assess cardiovascular health may also serve as indicators for cancer risk, highlighting a deeper link between these two leading causes of mortality worldwide.

The study focused on two specific cardiac biomarkers: high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Researchers found that even slight elevations in these markers were strong, independent predictors of overall cancer risk. Notably, elevated levels of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP were associated with a higher likelihood of colorectal cancer, while increased NT-proBNP levels were also linked to lung cancer. These associations persisted even when accounting for traditional risk factors, emphasizing the potential of these biomarkers in early cancer risk detection.

According to Dr. Xinjiang Cai, lead author and UCLA Health cardiologist, "While these biomarkers are well-established indicators of heart health, our findings suggest their predictive ability extends beyond cardiovascular disease to also include cancer risk." This insight underscores how interconnected our cardiovascular and oncological health may be, beyond shared risk factors like lifestyle or genetics.

The research analyzed data from 6,244 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a long-term cohort study tracking adults aged 45 to 84 years without prior heart or cancer diagnoses. Participants' baseline biomarker levels were recorded and analyzed over a median follow-up period of 17.8 years. Incident cancer cases were identified through hospital records, allowing researchers to establish a clear association between initial biomarker levels and subsequent cancer development.

The findings are significant for preventive medicine, as they suggest that minor elevations in cardiac biomarkers could serve as early warning signs for cancer, prompting more vigilant screening and lifestyle interventions. Experts believe this could bridge a crucial gap between cardiology and oncology, fostering integrated approaches to disease prevention.

Co-authored by specialists from UCLA, University of Washington, Johns Hopkins, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, and Lundquist Institute, the study emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in understanding disease pathways. Future research may explore whether targeting these biomarkers could lead to novel strategies for preventing both cardiovascular disease and cancer, ultimately improving health outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-cardiac-biomarkers-linked-future-cancer.html