Breast Cancer Research | Full text | High-throughput genomic technology in research and clinical management of breast cancer. Plasma-based proteomics in early detection and therapy

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. Outline Introduction Abstract Introduction Proteomic analysis of plasma Tumor and tissue specificity Early detection decreases breast cancer-related mortality [1], and breast cancer biomarkers offer a promising means to detect this disease at the earliest and most treatable stages. Both plasma and serum (collectively referred to as 'plasma' in the following discussion for simplicity) are excellent sources of clinically relevant sample material for the early detection of breast cancer. Plasma is easily obtained, isIntroduction Proteomic analysis of plasma Tumor and tissue specificity Early detection decreases breast cancer-related mortality [1], and breast cancer biomarkers offer a promising means to detect this disease at the earliest and most treatable stages. Both plasma and serum (collectively referred to as 'plasma' in the following discussion for simplicity) are excellent sources of clinically relevant sample material for the early detection of breast cancer. Plasma is easily obtained, is 03/09/2007 01:40 PM Breast Cancer Research | Full text | High-throughput genomic techno...east cancer. Plasma-based proteomics in early detection and therapy Page 2 of 8 http://breast-cancer-research.com/content/8/6/217 Tumor and tissue specificity Sample-dependent considerations Conclusion Abbreviations