Patient Corner
This year alone, nearly 1.5 million Americans will receive a devastating diagnosis: cancer. Despite the great progress we have made in fighting this disease, it is clear that early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are the best hope for long-term survival.
A major breakthrough in cancer treatment was the discovery that tumors "leak" proteins and other molecules into blood, urine, and other accessible bodily fluids. This insight has led to the possibility of diagnosing cancer at an early stage simply by collecting such fluids from patients and testing them for the presence of cancer-related molecules, also called "cancer biomarkers.”
Although protein biomarkers hold great promise in our fight against cancer, there is a significant challenge that must be overcome. Laboratories across the country collect, store, and study proteins in different ways. This lack of standardization makes it difficult to accurately compare results from one laboratory to another and limits the number of cancer protein or biomarker tests that are available to the public.
The NCI is working to standardize proteomics (the study of proteins) at laboratories across the country. In 2006, the NCI launched the Clinical Proteomic Technologies for Cancer (CPTC) initiative with the ultimate goal of advancing protein biomarkers into molecular diagnostic tests for the early detection and treatment of cancer.
CPTC recognizes the important role that patients, patient advocates, and other members outside of the traditional science community play in advancing cancer research, and is actively involved in dialogue with such communities.
Click on the links below for educational resources and additional information on the inextricable link between proteomics research and patient outcomes.
Podcasts
Visit this page to listen to and download podcasts from protein experts on various topics of interest.
Webinars
Visit this page to view and download webinars about research advances in proteomics and how these may affect cancer patient care.
Patient Brochure
Visit this page to download the Patient Brochure, “Clinical Cancer Proteomics: What It Means and What It Means for You.”
Video Tutorial
Visit this page to view a video tutorial that takes a closer look at the process for discovering clinical biomarkers and how these biomarkers may provide a new approach to the early detection and treatment of cancer.
Proteomics Primer
Visit this page for an introduction to proteomics research and the role of this important field in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Pioneers of Proteomics Video Series
Visit this page for a series of video interviews by leaders in the field of proteomics in which they discus recent developments in the field, as well as examine challenges and opportunities.
