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Practical approaches to proteomic biomarkers within prostate cancer radiotherapy trials

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Abstract

Introduction

Proteomic biomarkers may be useful for monitoring therapeutic response and to triage cancer patients to best therapy.

Objectives

In this review, we highlight the importance of specimen acquisition, preparation and analysis in radiotherapy proteomic studies. We also discuss practical approaches for the design and execution of clinical proteomic studies using our recent experience based on specimens accrued during prostate cancer radiation therapy.

Discussion and Conclusions

Numerous proteomic methods are being employed, including high-throughput mass spectrometry and immunoassays, and using solid tissues, blood and urine for analysis. Given the potential complexity of cytokine and other protein responses, there is a need to assess proteomic signatures within serial samples as longitudinal studies during a course of fractionated radiotherapy (RT).

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Abbreviations

RT:

radiation therapy

PCa:

prostate cancer

PSA:

prostate specific antigen

TNM:

UICC Tumor stage (TumorNodeMetastasis)

MS:

mass spectrometry

IMRT:

intensity-modulated radiation therapy

IGRT:

image-guided radiation therapy

MRM:

multiple reaction monitoring

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Acknowledgements

Supported by grants from National Cancer Institute of Canada, the Terry Fox Foundation and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR-OCRN) to RGB and KE. EC is supported by a Matthews Family Scholarship in Radiation Therapy, a CIHR Strategic Training Fellowship in Radiation Medicine Research and an Ontario Graduate Scholarship. RGB is a Canadian Cancer Society Research Scientist.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Eva Christensen, Cynthia Ménard, Melania Pintilie & Robert G. Bristow

  2. Department of Radiation Oncology and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Eva Christensen, Cynthia Ménard & Robert G. Bristow

  3. Ontario Cancer Biomarker Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Kenneth R. Evans

  4. Princess Margaret Hospital, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 2M9

    Robert G. Bristow

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  1. Eva Christensen
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  2. Kenneth R. Evans
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  3. Cynthia Ménard
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  5. Robert G. Bristow
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Correspondence to Robert G. Bristow.

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Christensen, E., Evans, K.R., Ménard, C. et al. Practical approaches to proteomic biomarkers within prostate cancer radiotherapy trials. Cancer Metastasis Rev 27, 375–385 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10555-008-9139-6

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