The role of proteomics in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer death in the Western world and more than 70% of patients are diagnosed with advanced stage disease. The high mortality rate is due to the difficulty in the early detection of ovarian cancer. Current screening strategies lack the necessary sensitivity and specificity to reliably and accurately diagnose affected women, prompting investigators to seek alternative means of analysis found in protein pathways and networks. Proteomics seeks to advance the understanding of how proteins interact in cancer and may provide a mechanism for early stage diagnosis. The proteomic techniques of laser capture microdissection, mass spectrometry and tissue lysate arrays have led to the discovery of new biomarkers and the identification, development and approval of a number of targeted therapeutic agents. Following validation through clinical trials, the application of these techniques will contribute to the changing paradigm of cancer detection and treatment toward personalized medicine.
Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bldg 10 Rm 4B1110, Center Drive, MSC 1500 Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. tchabon@mail.nih.gov, . kohne@mail.nih.gov.
Nana E
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Tchabo
Elizabeth A
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Guancial
Josephine A
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Czechowicz
Elise C
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Kohn