Author:

Keywords:

Cancer, Peptidomics, Proteomics, Mass Spectrometry

Abstract:

Diagnosis of cancer in early stages is of the utmost importance for a positive prognosis. During tumor development potential markers, e.g. tumor-specific proteins, peptides and metabolic waste products, are secreted into the blood stream from the angiogenic switch onwards. Proteolytic fragments of proteins generated by tumor-specific proteases are released as well. Through a holistic omics approach, we are currently identifying and merging these secreted compounds in blood. Clinical validation of these cancer type specific markers then should result in the development of more sensitive and more specific diagnostic tools.