Proteomics of multimorbidity progression across cardiometabolic diseases and cancer in a multinational cohort

A new international study, led by scientists at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), has revealed the existence of common protein markers across different frequently occurring chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. The markers shed light on how these diseases can develop concurrently and progress together.

The research team analysed blood samples of 13 270 participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study to identify protein signatures of multimorbidity. This led to the identification of specific patterns of proteins linked to the transition from a healthy state to cardiometabolic diseases, and eventually to cancer. Some proteins were associated with early stages of disease development, and others appeared to signal later stages or the accumulation of multiple conditions.

Cardiometabolic diseases often develop sequentially and may also involve cancer – a process known as multimorbidity. However, the biological mechanisms driving this progression have remained poorly understood. The findings highlight the potential of blood-based biomarkers to improve early detection of individuals at high risk of developing multiple chronic diseases. In the future, such information could help guide more targeted prevention strategies and support a more integrated approach to managing health.

This research contributes to a growing body of evidence that chronic diseases share common roots and should not be solely studied or treated in isolation.

Stein MJ, Viallon V, Leitzmann MF, Gunter MJ, Smith-Byrne K, Ler P, et al.
Proteomics of multimorbidity progression across cardiometabolic diseases and cancer in a multinational cohort
Cardiovasc Diabetol. Published online 20 June 2026;
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12933-026-03263-4

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