LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center researcher led major study identifies proteins linked to prostate cancer

January 7, 2026 - New Orleans, LA — A large national and international study has identified dozens of blood proteins linked to prostate cancer risk, some shared across populations, some unique to specific groups. Published in Nature Communications, the study seeks to improve understanding the various causes of prostate cancer across different populations. The study is led by Dr. Lang Wu, Associate Director of Population Science - LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, highlighting Louisiana’s growing role as a national leader in cutting-edge cancer research. The study can be viewed here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-66250-5.

“This study shows how population-specific biology shapes prostate cancer risk,” said Dr. Wu, who is also a Professor and Co-Director of the Population Sciences and Cancer Control Program. “By including different major populations, we’re taking a big step toward understanding why some men, including many right here in Louisiana, face higher risk of developing this common malignancy.”

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men worldwide and one of the leading causes of cancer death. Men of African ancestry, including many in Louisiana, face higher risks and worse outcomes, making comprehensive research to understand the causes of the different burden across populations particularly critical. This new study analyzed thousands of proteins in blood across African, European, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino populations, developed mathematical models to predict protein levels using genetic information, and further linked genetically regulated protein levels to prostate cancer risk, by leveraging data from a 156,319 men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and 788,443 men who have not. In total, researchers identified three, four, 15, and 73 prostate cancer associated proteins in African, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, and European populations, respectively, and 83 across populations. Many of the identified proteins are novel.

“Our research design is very cost-efficient and powerful in identifying candidate proteins for prostate cancer risk,” said Hua Zhong, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow of Dr. Wu’s group, who is one of two first authors of the paper.

“By applying advanced statistical genetics and data science approaches, our novel discovery of prostate cancer proteins will help us to identify individuals at risk of developing this malignancy,” said Jingjing Zhu, PhD, an Assistant Professor and Director of Bioinformatics Core at LSU, who is the other joint first author of the paper.

The research was supported in part by National Institutes of Health grants U54 HG013243, R01CA263494, and U01CA293883.

The LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center is actively advancing toward National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, a recognition that underscores the Cancer Center’s commitment to excellence in cancer research, prevention, and treatment. Research like this directly supports that mission by improving risk assessment strategies and informing more personalized approaches to treatment.

Why this matters for Louisiana

• Many Louisianans are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer; understanding population-specific risk can guide risk assessment, screening and prevention in local communities.
• The Cancer Center’s leading role in such large-scale national and international research strengthens its capacity to bring new cutting-edge discoveries into clinical care for patients in Louisiana.
• Findings help guide the development of more effective risk prediction tools and targeted therapies, supporting LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center’s NCI designation goals.

About the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center
The LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center is leading the fight against cancer through an integrated approach that unites innovative research, compassionate clinical care, and world-class education. Our teams bring the latest scientific discoveries directly to patients, improving outcomes across Louisiana and beyond. Together, we’re building a cancer center that stands for more than medicine. One that brings innovation and hope to every corner of our community as we advance toward National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation.