Research Questions:It has been observed that many cancer patients also suffer from mental disorders, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Lifestyle plays a significant role in either cancer or mental disorders. If the patterns within it can be identified, preventive measures could be developed. During the onset and progression of diseases, human blood biomarkers, such as blood metabolites and plasma proteins, often change. We aim to investigate whether such changes can more sensitively reflect disease onset and progression compared to clinical symptoms and develop predictive biomarkers or models. Diseases result from the combined effect of genes and the environment. Besides studying environmental and gene expression, we also intend to explore the genetic susceptibility of diseases and explain disease changes from a multi-omics perspective.
Objectives:This project aims to identify specific risk factors associated with the comorbidity of mental disorders and different types of cancer, uncover the intrinsic causal relationships and potential common mechanisms. Based on blood biomarkers and genetics, an accurate assessment model for the risk of mental disorders and cancer will be established to provide personalized cancer prevention and treatment strategies for patients with mental disorders.
Scientific Rationale:Large cohort studies have shown that patients with mental disorders have a higher risk of developing certain diseases than the general population. Cancer and mental disorders often coexist, and the comorbid health issues substantially increase the total cost of healthcare. However, the association between mental disorders and different types of cancer is heterogeneous, which may be mediated by factors such as gender, genetics, lifestyle, and the microenvironment of hormonal and metabolic capabilities in different populations. Previous evidence indicates that cancer and mental disorders share common mechanisms, such as inflammation and amino acid
