In-depth quantitative proteomics for pancreatic cancer biomarker discovery

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death due to common presentation at an advanced stage. Although early detection and screening are likely to improve outcome, effective strategies are lacking. Proteomics holds substantial promise for the identification of blood-based biomarkers. Discovery strategies that have been investigated include analysis of tumor tissue and tumor cells, biologic fluids and serum and plasma for the identification of circulating biomarkers. A promising, complementary strategy consists of harnessing the immune response to tumor antigens for detecting pancreatic cancer at an early stage through a seropositive response to pancreatic cancer antigens. In addition, mouse models of pancreatic cancer may represent a rich source of candidate biomarkers applicable to humans. Although much work remains to be done, the findings so far are encouraging with respect to prospects for early detection and effective diagnosis.