Proteomics for Predictive Medicine: Forecasting Kidney Disease and Beyond

In this Naked Scientists episode, Rhys James discusses how proteomics can reveal a person’s future disease risks by measuring patterns of proteins in the blood. Experts explain how this approach could shift medicine from reacting to disease to preventing it, with a focus on kidney disease and related conditions. Three diagnostic tests are highlighted that aim to identify people at risk years before damage occurs, enabling early treatment and lifestyle changes to avert dialysis and poor outcomes. The conversation also covers the economic case for early intervention and the challenges of turning predictive biology into routine healthcare.

Overview

The Naked Scientists episode explores how protein fingerprints in the bloodstream can predict long-term disease risk, including chronic kidney disease, esophageal cancer, and endometriosis. Host Rhys James speaks with nephrologists and proteomics experts about translating complex biochemistry into actionable clinical decisions that could transform prevention in healthcare.

“The dream is to be able to pick up these individuals before the damage has occurred” - Andrew Frankel, consultant nephrologist

From biomarkers to predictive patterns

Proteomics studies the entire protein landscape in the body, recognizing that patterns across multiple proteins provide more predictive power than any single biomarker. As Richard Lipscomb explains, disease processes subtly alter protein levels, and a constellation of markers can indicate future risk. This constellation approach moves beyond genetic risk, using dynamic biochemistry to map patient trajectories and tailor interventions.

“That constellation, that pattern is what’s different” - Kirsten Peters, head of clinical studies, Proteomics International

Three diagnostic tests and what they aim to do

The team has launched three tests: ProMarker D for kidney disease in diabetes, which can predict onset up to four years in advance; ProMarker ESO for esophageal cancer risk, to potentially replace invasive endoscopies with a blood test; and ProMarker Endo for endometriosis, aiming to shorten diagnosis from years to weeks. These tests illustrate how proteomic profiling can detect silent disease, reduce diagnostic delays, and enable early treatment decisions.

“You can identify people early when we can still treat them” - Kirsten Peters

Economic and clinical implications

Clinicians discuss the economic case for prevention, noting that dialysis costs are substantial and averted disease progression could save healthcare systems money. While the science is advancing, implementing these tests requires careful integration into primary and secondary care, appropriate patient education, and robust data systems to monitor and act on risk signals.

“Prevention is better than cure because you might be able to stop people getting these diseases” - Smeta Sinha

Future directions

The conversation points to integrating multi-omics data (proteins, genetics, metabolites) with advanced analytics to push predictions further upstream. The speakers acknowledge challenges and emphasize the need to translate lab discoveries into accessible, trusted clinical tools that inform individualized treatment.