Biomarkers for CANCER

[Guest guest]

Hi folks:

We frequently talk about, and compare data for, biomarkers for CVD.

Assuming, probably correctly, that they give a pretty reasonable

indication of the likelihood we will get the disease. But we never

seem to talk about biomarkers for cancer, apart perhaps for CRON.

The following paper covers this issue in what seems to be a very new

area of research.

" It is estimated that the cancer proteome may include over 1.5

million proteins as a result of posttranslational processing and

modifications. Such complexity clearly highlights the need for ultra-

high resolution proteomic technology for robust quantitative protein

measurements and data acquisition. This review is to update the

current research efforts in high-resolution proteomic technology for

discovery and monitoring cancer biomarkers. "

June 2006. PMID: 16625706.

The abstract:

" Proteomic technology for biomarker profiling in cancer: an update.

Alaoui-Jamali MA, Xu YJ.

Lady Institute for Medical Research and Segal Comprehensive

Cancer Center of the Sir Mortimer B. Jewish General Hospital,

Department of Oncology and Medicine, McGill University, Montreal,

Que. H3T 1E2, Canada; moulay.alaoui-jamali@....

The progress in the understanding of cancer progression and early

detection has been slow and frustrating due to the complex

multifactorial nature and heterogeneity of the cancer syndrome. To

date, no effective treatment is available for advanced cancers, which

remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Clearly, there is

urgent need to unravel novel biomarkers for early detection. Most of

the functional information of the cancer-associated genes resides in

the proteome. The later is an exceptionally complex biological system

involving several proteins that function through posttranslational

modifications and dynamic intermolecular collisions with partners.

These protein complexes can be regulated by signals emanating from

cancer cells, their surrounding tissue microenvironment, and/or from

the host. Some proteins are secreted and/or cleaved into the

extracellular milieu and may represent valuable serum biomarkers for

diagnosis purpose. It is estimated that the cancer proteome may

include over 1.5 million proteins as a result of posttranslational

processing and modifications. Such complexity clearly highlights the

need for ultra-high resolution proteomic technology for robust

quantitative protein measurements and data acquisition. This review

is to update the current research efforts in high-resolution

proteomic technology for discovery and monitoring cancer biomarkers. "

Rodney.