Role of Proteomics in Diagnosis of Cancer

Abstract

Proteomic technologies have emerged as an important addition to the genomic and antibody-based technologies for the diagnosis of cancer. Important technologies include 2-D gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, laser capture microdissection, detection of molecular markers of cancer and protein patterns. For clinical applications, the most likely technologies to be used widely are protein biochips. Application of these technologies to various cancers are described. Proteomic technologies have a potential in developing molecular diagnostics and markers for the early detection of cancer. However, information from various diagnostic technologies should be integrated to obtain the optimal information required for clinical management of a patient.