What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to develop a high-throughput proteomics workflow that enhances cancer biomarker discovery.

April 5, 2026

Abstract 7696: Quantitative plasma proteomics on stellar MS enables discovery of clinically relevant cancer biomarkers

Key Points

This research aims to develop a high-throughput proteomics workflow that enhances cancer biomarker discovery.
Developed a targeted proteomics workflow on the Thermo Scientific Stellar mass spectrometer.
Analyzed plasma samples from patients with colorectal and lung cancer and healthy donors.
Quantified 804 peptides representing 322 plasma proteins using the Biognosys PQ500 reference kit.
Assessed variability and sensitivity of peptide quantification with specific metrics.
Identified 29 significantly altered proteins in colorectal cancer plasma compared to controls.
Notable biomarkers included elevated serum amyloid A2, alpha-2-glycoprotein-like, and complement component C9.
More than 94% of peptides showed low variability, and quantification limits down to attomole range.

Abstract

Abstract Quantitative plasma proteomics is essential for discovering circulating biomarkers that enable early cancer detection and patient stratification. However, existing assays often lack the scalability, reproducibility, and sensitivity required for large clinical studies. To overcome these limitations, we developed a high-throughput targeted proteomics workflow on the Thermo Scientific™ Stellar™ mass spectrometer, enabling rapid and precise quantification of plasma proteins. The platform’s fast acquisition speed and robust retention time stability allow comprehensive analysis of hundreds of peptides within a 30-minute gradient, while MS3 fragmentation enhances selectivity for low-abundance targets. Using the Biognosys PQ500 reference peptide kit, we quantified 804 peptides representing 322 plasma proteins, including 57 FDA-approved biomarkers, in plasma from patients with colorectal and lung cancer and healthy donors. More than 94% of peptides showed coefficients of variation below 25%, with linear responses across six orders of magnitude and limits of quantitation down to the attomole range. In colorectal cancer plasma, 29 proteins were significantly altered (adjusted p 0.05, 2-fold change) compared with controls. Notably, serum amyloid A2 (SAA2), alpha-2-glycoprotein-like (A2GL), and complement component C9 (CO9) were elevated—proteins implicated in inflammatory and immune pathways driving tumor progression. This study demonstrates that quantitative plasma proteomics on Stellar MS provides the sensitivity, reproducibility, and throughput needed to identify clinically relevant biomarker signatures in cancer. The workflow offers a robust and scalable foundation for translational proteomics and precision oncology applications, bridging the gap between discovery and clinical validation. Citation Format: Stephanie Samra, Qingling Li, Cristina Jacob, Philip Remes, Jared Deyarmin. Quantitative plasma proteomics on stellar MS enables discovery of clinically relevant cancer biomarkers abstract. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 7696.

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