Researchers develop new biological indicators for prostate cancer and aging

Scientists have identified specific blood proteins that may indicate a risk of developing prostate cancer up to 15 years before a clinical diagnosis. Published in 'European Urology', the study analyzed over 6,000 proteins in 982 men who later developed the disease, alongside a control group from the EPIC study. Researchers identified 12 proteins, including GZMK, which is produced by immune cells. These findings suggest that immune response changes may reflect increased cancer risk long before the tumor is detectable.

In a separate development reported in 'The Lancet Digital Health', researchers introduced FAHR-Face, an artificial intelligence system designed to assess biological age and survival prognosis through facial analysis. Using a database of 40 million photographs, the AI utilizes two models: FAHR-FaceAge, which estimates biological age by analyzing facial features like the forehead and temples, and FAHR-FaceSurvival, which focuses on areas such as the eyes and nose to assist in oncology prognosis. The study noted that lifestyle factors, particularly smoking, were strongly correlated with higher biological age assessments.