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Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
Published in: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment 1/2012

01-07-2012 | Review

Early diagnostic protein biomarkers for breast cancer: how far have we come?

Authors: Annemieke W. J. Opstal-van Winden, Roel C. H. Vermeulen, Petra H. M. Peeters, Jos H. Beijnen, Carla H. van Gils

Published in: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Many studies have used surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry to search for blood-based proteins that are related to the presence of breast cancer. We review the biomarkers discovered or targeted measured by these methods and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these studies. We highlight two proteins that were most often related to breast cancer: C3a des-arginine anaphylatoxin (C3adesArg) (molecular weight: 8,938 Da) and fragments of inter-alpha trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 (ITIH4). In addition, we elaborate on three important methodological aspects related to these studies: protein identification, specificity of the markers, and disease heterogeneity. Finally, we propose some points to be addressed in future studies. These include the use of other analytical measurement techniques, need of protein identification, the importance of identical sample handling protocols for cases and controls, and the stratification of the results according to molecular subtypes and stages of breast cancer. Ultimately this may lead to the discovery of new and valid breast cancer specific biomarkers.
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Metadata
Title
Early diagnostic protein biomarkers for breast cancer: how far have we come?
Authors
Annemieke W. J. Opstal-van Winden
Roel C. H. Vermeulen
Petra H. M. Peeters
Jos H. Beijnen
Carla H. van Gils
Publication date
01-07-2012
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 0167-6806
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7217
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-011-1907-2

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