# Noninvasive detection and monitoring of glioblastoma subtypes via dual-marker plasma proteomics

## TL;DR

Researchers found that blood protein levels can noninvasively detect and monitor different types of glioblastoma brain tumors.

## Contribution

A dual-marker plasma proteomic assay is introduced for noninvasive glioblastoma classification and monitoring.

## Key findings

- Plasma profiles showed interpatient homogeneity despite tumor heterogeneity.
- A dual-marker classifier using F9 and COMP achieved high accuracy in distinguishing GBM from healthy controls.
- Longitudinal analysis showed F9 declined post-treatment while COMP increased with disease progression.

## Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary brain tumor in adults, characterized by rapid progression and profound molecular heterogeneity. Current diagnostic and monitoring strategies rely on neuroimaging and invasive tissue sampling, which are limited in their ability to capture dynamic disease states and subtype-specific biology. There is an unmet need for minimally invasive biomarkers that can enable reliable detection and longitudinal surveillance. In this study, we investigated whether plasma proteomic profiling could reflect tumor-intrinsic features and systemic responses, thereby supporting noninvasive classification and monitoring of GBM subtypes.

We performed integrative proteomic profiling of matched GBM tumor and plasma samples using tandem mass tag-labeled mass spectrometry and machine learning. Pathway and weighted gene co-expression network analyses were applied to identify systemic alterations. A dual-marker classifier was developed and validated using longitudinal aptamer-based profiling.

Tumor proteomes exhibited extensive heterogeneity, while plasma profiles showed marked interpatient homogeneity at both diagnosis and recurrence. Systemic changes were observed in inflammation, coagulation, and complement signaling pathways. A dual-marker plasma classifier comprising coagulation factor IX (F9) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) distinguished GBM from healthy controls with high accuracy (area under the curve AUC = 0.96), maintaining performance in recurrent disease (AUC = 0.97). Longitudinal analysis revealed divergent trajectories: F9 levels declined post-treatment, while COMP increased, consistent with therapeutic response and disease progression.

Our findings support the development of a dual-marker, proteomics-based plasma assay for noninvasive GBM detection and real-time monitoring. This approach has the potential to complement imaging and inform therapeutic decision-making.