The progress of proteomic approaches in searching for cancer biomarkers

► Proteomics methodology could expand the diagnostic tools available to clinics. ► Proteins as the endpoint of biological processes hold advantage over RNA approaches. ► Heterogeneity of tumours presents a great challenge for proteomics. ► Lack of standardisation presents a barrier for easy integration into clinics. ► High-throughput proteomics will aid the development of personalised medicine.