JanusRNA - Early detection biomarkers of cancer
About 38 000 Norwegians are diagnosed with cancer annually and cancer is the leading cause of death overall in Norway. Breast and prostate cancer are the most common types of cancer in women and men respectively, followed by colorectal and lung cancer in both genders. The survival of most cancers is highly dependent on the stage at diagnosis. Tools to detect cancer at an early stage and improve survival are of great importance. The overall aim of this project is to investigate microRNA (miRNA) and other circulating RNAs as potential early biomarkers for cancer.
We have produced RNA sequencing data from pre-diagnostic serum samples from the Janus Serum Bank Cohort. We have included patients with cancer of the lung (n=404), colon (n=305) rectum (n=190), breast (n=205), prostate (n=326), ovaries (n=80), testis (n=80) and gallbladder (n=27) with a sample collected within 10 years prior to cancer diagnosis, and a large frequency matched control group of 673 cancer-free individuals up to 10 years after blood collection. In addition, we have produced data from endometrial cancer patents and matched controls (n=320/320).
The project is initiated and lead by the Cancer Registry of Norway and is performed in close collaboration with the Norwegian Sequencing Centre at Oslo University Hospital/University of Oslo. We have developed and optimized RNA sequencing method for samples with low input RNA.
The sequencing data is combined with detailed cancer information from the Cancer Registry of Norway and information on environmental exposures from health surveys, in advanced biocomputational analysis.
In this project we have been collaborating closely with ELIXIR/NFEGA to develop FAIR data sharing mechanisms and we have established a Data Access Committee.
Link to more detailed information: JanusRNA - identification of early cancer biomarkers
