University of Texas study identifies cancer biomarkers in firefighters

Researchers at UTHealth Houston have identified measurable biological changes in firefighters that occur within 24 hours of fire exposure. The study, led by Dr. Jooyeon Hwang and published in ‘Environment & Health’, suggests these changes could serve as early biomarkers for cancer risk, which is the primary cause of death among firefighters.

By analyzing blood and urine samples from 30 firefighters, the team found that urine is a significantly more sensitive indicator of exposure than blood. Specifically, the study identified 75 significantly altered proteins in urine compared to only 10 in blood serum.

The analysis revealed a synchronized shift in four key proteins—LAMA4, LAMC1, VWF, and B2M—which are linked to cancer-related pathways, including those associated with small-cell lung cancer. These findings indicate that toxic smoke may cause immediate cellular stress and temporarily weaken immune defenses against tumor development.