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When normal cells are compared to cancer cells by microarray analysis, the most obvious differences occur in the expression levels of genes that control cell proliferation. Can this 'proliferation signature' be used as a biomarker for cancer research and therapy?
Epigenetically mediated transcriptional-silencing events occur at key genes during the earliest stages of tumorigenesis. Understanding how these events alter cell signal transduction and function can provide useful clues to improve cancer detection, prevention and therapy.
Germline polymorphisms and gene-expression profiles in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) cells are emerging as useful clinical diagnostics for this disease. Lessons learnt from development of polygenic models for ALL might inform the optimization of treatment for other cancers.
Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) show promise in colorectal cancer prevention, but there have been concerns about potential toxicity. Pharmacogenetic studies to establish an individual's risk– benefit ratio might allow tailoring of chemoprevention.
Recent evidence implies that germline polymorphisms might significantly influence the metastatic capacity of tumours. This article discusses whether, in the future, inherited, prospective metastatic biomarkers might be in common use for cancer prognosis and the selection of tailored tumour treatment.
Flow cytometry can be used to map signalling networks in individual cancer cells. This form of 'single-cell proteomics' can reveal important new information about the pathways that are activated in therapy-resistant cells and provide biomarkers for use in diagnosis and determining prognosis.
Carney complex is a genetic condition in which affected individuals develop benign tumours in various tissues, including the heart. This review examines the genes implicated in the development of cardiac myxomas.
Biomarkers are invaluable tools for cancer detection, diagnosis, patient prognosis and treatment selection. This focus discusses issues surrounding important genetic, epigenetic and protein biomarkers of cancer, including how these can be used to better understand tumour formation and to develop new therapeutic approaches.
