Challenges in cancer research and multifaceted approaches for cancer biomarker quest

Abstract

a b s t r a c tRecent advances in cancer biology have subsequently led to the development of new molecularly targeted anti-cancer agents that can effectively hit cancer-related proteins and pathways. Despite better insight into genomic aberrations and diversity of cancer phenotypes, it is apparent that proteomics too deserves attention in cancer research. Currently, a wide range of proteomic technologies are being used in quest for new cancer biomarkers with effective use. These, together with newer technologies such as multiplex assays could significantly contribute to the discovery and development of selective and specific cancer biomarkers with diagnostic or prognostic values for monitoring the disease state. This review attempts to illustrate recent advances in the field of cancer biomarkers and multifaceted approaches undertaken in combating cancer.

Tumor Hypoxia Imaging

“…Compared to genomic and transcriptomic classifiers, proteomic features appear to be more realistic platforms to identify cancer hypoxia-related alterations in molecules and signaling pathways and could therefore significantly contribute to our understanding of tumor hypoxia developments [137]. A variety of approaches can be utilized in cancer proteomics analyses by using cancer tissues, cells, and/or body fluids.…”

“…A variety of approaches can be utilized in cancer proteomics analyses by using cancer tissues, cells, and/or body fluids. Mass spectrometry (MS) now permits the identification of many proteins with high sensitivity [137]. Jung-hyun et al studied paired cancerous and normal clinical tissue specimens from patients with colorectal adenocarcinomas by heparin affinity fractionation enrichment (HAFE) followed by 2-D PAGE and tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) identification.…”

“…Transcriptomic and cDNA microarray analysis are powerful screening techniques allowing analysis of the activation state of cancer-related genes and characterization of a complete profile of hypoxia-related gene expression [136,137]. Several studies showed that low oxygenation conditions had impact on gene expression in several tumor cell lines.…”

Proteomics and Esophageal Cancer

“…As a result, the concentration of specific biomarker in blood would significantly be lower than its original concentration in the interstitial fluid. Nevertheless, various body fluids represent more or less rich source of different types of biomarkers [10,11].…”

“…These aspects include; (i) there is generally not a direct correlation between level of transcription of specific genes and relative abundances of their corresponding proteins, since the resultant transcript might be subject of degradation, inactivation, or being kept in silent and inactive form until the time it is required (RNA granules) [9] (ii) due to the differential splicing and translation, each gene may encode several different protein variants with different properties; (iii) the key proteins driving malignant behavior of cancer cells can undergo post-translational modifications including phosphorylation, acylation, and glycosylation; and (iv) proteome reflects dynamic changes, it could be a suitable indicator of the disease progression and could be used for monitoring and following up the course and response of the disease to the therapy. And finally proteins represent the more accessible and relevant therapeutic targets [10,11].…”