Clinical proteomics: searching for better tumour markers with SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry

Recently, the focus of cancer research has expanded from genetic information in the human genome to protein expression analyses. Because this ‘proteome’ reflects the state of a cell, tissue or organism more accurately, much is expected from proteomics to yield better tumour markers for disease diagnosis and therapy monitoring. Some current proteomic technologies are particularly suitable for protein profiling in the search for new biomarkers. Surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry has been used frequently, highlighting many new proteins as biomarkers (e.g. for ovarian, breast, prostate and colorectal cancer). However, it is becoming increasingly recognized that reproducibility and validation of these biomarkers should be addressed carefully, as should their origin and identity. If these efforts are made, protein profiling can contribute to the better diagnosis of patients and the optimization of their treatment.