Proteomic analysis of breast tissue and nipple aspirate fluid for breast cancer detection

Clinical proteomics has great promise, but many hurdles. Proteomic approaches may prove to be the answer to decades of frustrating searches for markers that are specific and selective for breast cancer. In order to achieve this goal, the challenge arises that breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and individual variations are enormous. To identify sensitive and specific breast cancer markers will require standardization of every method, from tissue collection through statistical analysis and diligence. Small pilot studies of tumors with varied characteristics will not suffice; large, homogeneous sample sets will be the most efficient route to identify breast cancer markers. Proteomic analysis of nipple aspirate fluid may identify markers that can be used for screening with this noninvasive technique. Proteomic analysis of breast biopsies will allow more detailed characterization of the individual's cancer, with therapy tailored to the disease based on this information.