
<b>Proteomics is the cataloging and analyzing of the many proteins [enzymes] in the body and discovering how they function in tissues.  </b>
Getting a better understanding of what goes wrong in the protein networks in cancer cells may allow understanding of where therapeutic efforts should be aimed. [2] [e.g. Creating an environment which enhances apoptosis in cancer cells would be a useful addition to chemotherapy.]  [Apoptosis is cell suicide of abnormal or badly damaged cells.]

One could treat live cancer tissue [either in cell culture or in a person] with a chemotherapy agent, checking the tumor before and after treatment to see the protein profile of the cells.  If there were a change in proteins that would favor tumor cell death, one would know that the agent might be effective.  If there were no such change, then perhaps one would stop that treatment and try another.

The combination of Gene Expression Profiling and Proteomics [analysis of protein interactions within the cell] would make it possible for researchers to literally construct a molecule that would effectively treat a cancer.[2] The NIH is currently involved in research with these technologies.

1. Friedrich, MJ. Genomics and Proteomics May Help Clinicians Individualize Cancer Treatment. JAMA 287:22
2. JAMA. 2001;286:2211-2214
