Proteomics has emerged as an invaluable tool in the quest to unravel the
biochemical changes that give rise to the hallmarks of cancer. In this
review, we present the advances and challenges facing proteomics
technology as applied to cancer research, and address how the information
gathered so far has helped to enhance understanding of the mechanisms
underlying the disease and contributed to the discovery of biomarkers and
new drug targets. We conclude by presenting a perspective on how
proteomics could be applied in the future to determine prognostic
biomarkers and direct strategies for effective cancer treatment.