Application of Genomic and Proteomic Technologies to Early Detection of Cancer

Advances in molecular biology over the past decade have helped to enhance understanding of the complex interplay between genetic, transcriptional, and translational alterations in human cancers. These molecular changes are the basis for an evolving field of high-throughput cancer discovery techniques using microscopic amounts of patient-based materials. Laser capture microdissection allows pure populations of cells to be isolated from both the tumor and stroma in order to identify subtle differences in RNA and protein expression. Comparative analysis of these alterations between normal, preinvasive, and invasive tissue using powerful bioinformatics programs has allowed us to identify novel tumor markers, profile complex protein pathways, and develop new molecular-based treatments. Continued refinement of such high-throughput microtechnologies will enable us to rapidly query patient specimens to identify novel methods for early detection, treatment, and follow-up of a wide array of human cancers. Also in recent years there has been an explosion in the development of new tools to analyze the proteome of cells, blood, and other bodily fluids. An analysis of the proteome would enhance the possibility of identifying protein signatures for cancer. Surface enhanced laser desorption and ionization with time of flight (SELDI-TOF) detection spectral analysis is linked with a high-order analytical bioinformatics approach to define that optimal discriminatory signature proteomic pattern. This technology is now being widely used in laboratories around the world for biomarker discovery in early detection of cancer.