Oncoproteomics: current trends and future perspectives

Oncoproteomics is the application of proteomics technologies in oncology. Functional proteomics is a promising technique for the rational identification of biomarkers; and novel therapeutic targets for cancers. Recent progress in proteomics has opened new avenues for tumor-associated biomarker discovery. With the advent of new and improved proteomics technologies, such as the development of quantitative proteomic methods, high-resolution, -speed and -sensitivity mass spectrometry and protein arrays, as well as advanced bioinformatics for data handling and interpretation, it is now possible to discover biomarkers that can reliably and accurately predict outcomes during cancer management and treatment. However, there are several difficulties in the study of proteins/peptides that are not inherent in the study of nucleic acids. New challenges arise in large-scale proteomic profiling when dealing with complex biological mixtures. Nevertheless, oncoproteomics offers great promise for unveiling the complex molecular events of tumorigenesis, as well as those that control clinically important tumor behaviors, such as metastasis, invasion and resistance to therapy. In this review, the development and advancement of oncoproteomics technologies for cancer research in recent years are expounded.