Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the fifth leading cause of cancer mortality among males. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. Endometrial cancer is the most frequently diagnosed gynecological cancer in developed countries. It is critical to better understand factors influencing risk and prognosis of these cancer types, and improve the risk/prognosis prediction models of these cancers. We plan to conduct research using genetic instruments to identify gene and biomarker candidates that are associated with risk/prognosis of prostate, pancreatic, and endometrial cancers. For the genetic instruments, we will use either genetic scores comprised of previously identified exposure associated genetic variants, or built prediction models using genetic variants for the exposure of interest. After relevant factors are identified, we will evaluate their potential interaction effects and utility in predicting risk/prognosis of these cancer types, by combining with additional information. Our research is in agreement with the aims of UK Biobank: “research intended to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness and the promotion of health throughout society”. Our proposed work will help identify novel genes and biomarkers related to pancreatic, prostate, and endometrial cancer, and may also help generate novel prediction models for these cancer types.
