A way to detect cancer by monitoring proteins could lead to earlier diagnosis and faster treatment for patients, says a scientist in the US. 

Changes in the levels of proteins found in cells, known as the proteomic pattern, can be used to diagnose several diseases. However, monitoring this pattern is not an easy thing to do, said Gordon Whiteley at the National Cancer Institute at Frederick. Whiteley has highlighted the possibilities that advances in proteomic technologies now present. In particular, combining established techniques such as mass spectrometry, microarrays and computer informatics could lead to 'innovative' methods of diagnosis, said Whiteley. 

The early diagnosis of cancer is an important goal for researchers since timely treatment is often essential to combat the disease. Until recently, tests used to detect and monitor cancer have been limited to either imaging or immunoassay tests. Often these do not have the sensitivity to detect small changes in cells that can provide early evidence for cancerous growth, said Whiteley. 

One of the key developments in the area, Whiteley added, has been the combination of two powerful techniques already used in the lab: laser capture microdissection and surface enhanced laser desorption ionisation. Using these tools, a pattern for ovarian cancer has been used to identify patients with cancer with 100 per cent sensitivity and 95 per cent specificity. 

Other combinations of techniques are also proving useful in identifying patterns for several cancer related diseases, said Whiteley. 'All of this needs enormous development but the results for patient care will be substantial.' 

Sarah Dixon