A serum metabolomics analysis reveals a panel of screening metabolic biomarkers for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Dear Editor, Endoscopy with iodine staining was widely used for esophageal cancer (EC) screening in high-incidence area. 1, 2 Most endoscopy screening-positive population was found to develop esophageal epithelium lesion, and therefore endured higher risk for developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) than normal population. 3, 4 However, endoscopic screening may be too costly and invasive for large-scale population, and non-invasive biomarkers may be more applicable and cost effective for population-based screening. 5, 6 In this population-based screening study, we aim to identify potential metabolic biomarkers for early screening of ESCC, and establish the optimal early ESCC screening model. Ultra-performance liquid chromatographyquadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLCQTOF/MS) was used to explore ESCC screening related metabolic biomarkers and profile …