Exosome-based Liquid Biopsies for Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers Diagnosis

This study employs a multicenter, retrospective cohort design, collecting and analyzing plasma and tissue exosome protein data from patients with upper gastrointestinal tumors (Stage I-II), upper gastrointestinal benign diseases, and a healthy control group who have visited Beijing Friendship Hospital, and other relevant sub-center hospitals over the past five years. Concurrently, relevant clinical and pathological information is recorded.

Samples from the training cohort undergo traditional quantitative exosome proteomic analysis (Data-Independent Acquisition, DIA) and single-vesicle membrane protein analysis (PBA). A comprehensive upper gastrointestinal tumor-specific exosome protein database is constructed, incorporating extensive information. Subsequently, bioinformatics methods are employed to conduct in-depth analysis of the extensive protein data, screening for proteins with high specificity for upper gastrointestinal tumors, capable of direct detection on the exosome membrane surface. By establishing and evaluating diagnostic models, we aim to quantify the diagnostic potential of these markers, providing a scientific basis for future early screening methods for upper gastrointestinal tumors.

Finally, external validation of these protein markers in an independent validation cohort ensures their reliability and stability across different patient populations. The academic significance of this research lies in its thorough exploration of exosome proteomics in early cancer diagnosis, offering potential innovative breakthroughs for academic progress and clinical practice in this field.