DNA transforming into fruits and vegetables with cancer cells in the background

Decoding Cancer: Can Reactive Oxygen Metabolites Predict Your Risk?

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research explores how measuring oxidative stress markers like d-ROM could offer early insights into lung, colorectal, and breast cancer risk, paving the way for proactive lifestyle changes."

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers accounting for a significant portion of cases. Identifying risk factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies. While genetics play a role, lifestyle and environmental factors also contribute significantly to cancer development.

Emerging research highlights the role of oxidative stress in carcinogenesis. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage DNA, disrupt cellular signaling, and promote cancer cell growth. However, directly measuring ROS in the body is challenging due to their short lifespan. Instead, scientists are exploring more stable markers of oxidative stress, such as derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROM).

This article explores the findings of a recent meta-analysis investigating the association between pre-diagnostic d-ROM levels and the occurrence of lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. By combining data from two large population-based studies, researchers aimed to determine if d-ROM levels could serve as a predictive biomarker for these common cancers.

d-ROM and Cancer Risk: Unpacking the Research

DNA transforming into fruits and vegetables with cancer cells in the background

The study, a meta-analysis of two large cohort studies from Germany and Norway, involved over 4,345 participants. Researchers measured d-ROM levels and tracked cancer incidence over several years. They then analyzed the data to determine if there was a correlation between d-ROM levels and the development of specific cancers.

The results revealed a significant association between high d-ROM levels and an increased risk of lung, colorectal, and breast cancer. Specifically, individuals in the highest tertile of d-ROM levels had a statistically significant higher risk of developing these cancers compared to those in the lowest tertile. However, no such association was found for prostate cancer.

Lung Cancer: Individuals with high d-ROM levels showed a notably increased risk.
Colorectal Cancer: Elevated d-ROM was also linked to a higher incidence of colorectal cancer.
Breast Cancer: The study found a significant correlation between d-ROM and breast cancer development.
Prostate Cancer: No significant association was observed.

These findings suggest that elevated oxidative stress, as indicated by high d-ROM levels, may play a role in the development of lung, colorectal, and breast cancers. While the study doesn't prove causation, it highlights the potential of d-ROM as a biomarker for assessing cancer risk.

Taking Control: What the Research Means for You

While the study provides valuable insights, it's important to remember that d-ROM levels are just one piece of the puzzle. Factors like age, sex, BMI, smoking history, physical activity, and family history also contribute to cancer risk. The researchers found that adding d-ROM levels to a model that already included these established risk factors did not significantly improve cancer prediction.

However, the study does suggest that monitoring d-ROM levels could be a useful tool for identifying individuals who may benefit from lifestyle changes to reduce oxidative stress. These changes include quitting smoking, adopting a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, and increasing physical activity.

Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of a holistic approach to cancer prevention. By understanding the role of oxidative stress and adopting proactive lifestyle choices, individuals can empower themselves to reduce their risk and promote overall health.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1002/ijc.32073, Alternate LINK

Title: Pre‐Diagnostic Derivatives Of Reactive Oxygen Metabolites And The Occurrence Of Lung, Colorectal, Breast And Prostate Cancer: An Individual Participant Data Meta‐Analysis Of Two Large Population‐Based Studies

Subject: Cancer Research

Journal: International Journal of Cancer

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Xīn Gào, Tom Wilsgaard, Eugène Hjm Jansen, Bernd Holleczek, Yan Zhang, Yang Xuan, Ankita Anusruti, Hermann Brenner, Ben Schöttker

Published: 2019-01-05

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly are reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROM), and why are they relevant to this research?

Reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROM) are byproducts of oxidative stress in the body. They are more stable markers than reactive oxygen species (ROS), allowing for easier measurement. In this context, d-ROM is significant because it has been linked to an increased risk of lung, colorectal, and breast cancer. High d-ROM levels may indicate elevated oxidative stress, which can damage DNA and promote cancer cell growth. The study did not find a significant association between d-ROM levels and prostate cancer.

What were the main findings of the study regarding d-ROM and cancer risk?

This study found a correlation between high levels of d-ROM and an elevated risk for lung, colorectal, and breast cancer. The research, a meta-analysis of two large cohort studies from Germany and Norway, measured d-ROM levels in over 4,345 participants. The researchers tracked cancer incidence over several years to determine if there was a connection between d-ROM levels and the development of specific cancers. The results of the analysis showed that individuals with higher d-ROM levels faced a greater chance of developing these cancers when compared to individuals with lower levels of d-ROM.

What are the limitations of using d-ROM as an indicator of cancer risk?

While d-ROM can provide insight into oxidative stress and potential cancer risk, it's crucial to understand its limitations. The research suggests that measuring d-ROM levels alone may not offer a significant enhancement to existing cancer risk prediction models that incorporate factors like age, sex, BMI, smoking history, physical activity, and family history. It is essential to consider the context of d-ROM in conjunction with these established risk factors. The research provides valuable insights but emphasizes that d-ROM is just one piece of a larger puzzle when assessing cancer risk.

What are the potential implications of this research for individuals?

The implications of the study are that d-ROM could be a potential biomarker for assessing the risk of lung, colorectal, and breast cancer. Identifying individuals with elevated d-ROM levels might allow for earlier interventions and preventative measures. However, the study does not prove causation, and more research is needed. While this study does not provide a complete picture, it does add to the existing scientific understanding, providing an opportunity to start looking at proactive health decisions.

Why were lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers selected for this study?

The study focused on lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers, which are among the leading causes of cancer deaths globally. The research explored the connection between d-ROM levels and the development of these cancers. Lung, colorectal, and breast cancers showed a significant association with high d-ROM levels. Prostate cancer, however, did not show a significant correlation. This focus helps to underscore the practical relevance of the research findings and their potential to impact the prevention of these prevalent cancers.