Proteomics

High-throughput genomic technology in research and clinical management of breast cancer. Plasma-based proteomics in early detection and therapy.

Davis, M. & Hanash, S., 2006.Breast Canc. Res. 8(6):217-220

Abstract

Protein-based breast cancer biomarkers are a promising resource for breast cancer detection at the earliest and most treatable stages of the disease. Plasma is well suited to proteomic-based methods of biomarker discovery because it is easily obtained, is routinely used in the diagnosis of many diseases, and has a rich proteome. However, due to the vast dynamic range in protein concentration and the often uncertain tissue and cellular origin of plasma proteins, proteomic analysis of plasma requires special consideration compared with tissue and cultured cells. This review briefly touches on the search for plasma-based protein biomarkers for the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

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Comment

A brief overview of the clinical use of proteomic assays of blood proteins in the diagnosis and staging of breast cancer.   A good beginning site for novices and a quick review for the experienced, whether a basic scientist or a clinician.

Detection of bladder cancer using a point-of-care proteomic assay.

Grossman, HB et al., 2005. JAMA 293(7):810-816.

Abstract:

Context A combination of methods is used for diagnosis of bladder cancer because no single procedure detects all malignancies. Urine tests are frequently part of an evaluation, but have either been nonspecific for cancer or required specialized analysis at a laboratory. Objective To investigate whether a point-of-care proteomic test that measures the nuclear matrix protein NMP22 in voided urine could enhance detection of malignancy in patients with risk factors or symptoms of bladder cancer. Design, Setting, and Patients Twenty-three academic, private practice, and veterans' facilities in 10 states prospectively enrolled consecutive patients from September 2001 to May 2002. Participants included 1331 patients at elevated risk for bladder cancer due to factors such as history of smoking or symptoms including hematuria and dysuria. Patients at risk for malignancy of the urinary tract provided a voided urine sample for analysis of NMP22 protein and cytology prior to cystoscopy. Main Outcome Measures The diagnosis of bladder cancer, based on cystoscopy with biopsy, was accepted as the reference standard. The performance of the NMP22 test was compared with voided urine cytology as an aid to cancer detection. Testing for the NMP22 tumor marker was conducted in a blinded manner. Results Bladder cancer was diagnosed in 79 patients. The NMP22 assay was positive in 44 of 79 patients with cancer (sensitivity, 55.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 44.1%-66.7%), whereas cytology test results were positive in 12 of 76 patients (sensitivity, 15.8%; 95% CI, 7.6%-24.0%). The specificity of the NMP22 assay was 85.7% (95% CI, 83.8%-87.6%) compared with 99.2% (95% CI, 98.7%-99.7%) for cytology. The proteomic marker detected 4 cancers that were not visualized during initial endoscopy, including 3 that were muscle invasive and 1 carcinoma in situ. Conclusion The noninvasive point-of-care assay for elevated urinary NMP22 protein can increase the accuracy of cystoscopy, with test results available during the patient visit.

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