Role of Proteins in Oncology - A Narrative Review - Advances in Cancer Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Targeted Therapy

Sep 21, 2026

Modern oncology increasingly depends on proteins to support cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy. This narrative review surveys advances in protein biomarkers across multiple tumor types, including breast, lung, ovarian, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Emphasis is placed on biomarkers for early detection, treatment-response monitoring, and guiding personalized therapeutic strategies. The review also covers targeted approaches such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, while addressing ongoing limitations including resistance, protein-expression variability, and diagnostic heterogeneity. Future directions include AI integration, advanced protein analysis, and combination regimens.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages35

Reading Time1 h 28 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Proteins as Cancer Biomarkers

Technologies for Protein Analysis

Liquid Biopsy and Biomarker Detection

Molecular Mechanisms in Tumorigenesis

Review Role of Proteins in Oncology: Advances in Cancer Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Targeted Therapy—A Narrative Review Magdalena K˛edzierska 1,* and Magdalena Ba ´nkosz 2, * Citation: K˛edzierska, M.; Ba ´nkosz, M. Role of Proteins in Oncology: Advances in Cancer Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Targeted Therapy—A Narrative Review. J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13, 7131. [https://doi.org/10.3390/](https://doi.org/10.3390/)[ ](https://doi.org/10.3390/)jcm13237131 Academic Editor: Christopher Nimsky Received: 27 October 2024 Revised: 19 November 2024 Accepted: 22 November 2024 Published: 25 November 2024 Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ([https://](https://)[ ](https://)[creativecommons.org/licenses/by/](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[ ](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[4.0/](4.0/)) . 1 Department of Chemotherapy, Medical University of Lodz, Copernicus Memorial Hospital of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland 2 CUT Doctoral School, Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics, Department of Material Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, 37 Jana Pawla II Av., 31-864 Krakow, Poland * [Correspondence: magdalena.kedzierska@umed.lodz.pl](Correspondence: magdalena.kedzierska@umed.lodz.pl) (M.K.); [magdalena.bankosz@pk.edu.pl](magdalena.bankosz@pk.edu.pl) (M.B.) Abstract: Modern oncology increasingly relies on the role of proteins as key components in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy. This review examines advancements in protein biomarkers across several cancer types, including breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. These biomarkers have proven critical for early detection, treatment response monitoring, and tailoring personalized therapeutic strategies. The article highlights the utility of targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, in improving treatment efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. Despite these advancements, challenges like tumor resistance, variability in protein expression, and diagnostic heterogeneity persist, complicating universal application. The review underscores future directions, including the integration of artificial intelligence, advanced protein analysis technologies, and the development of combination therapies to overcome these barriers and refine personalized cancer treatment. Keywords: proteins in oncology; protein biomarkers; targeted therapy; monoclonal antibodies 1. Introduction The role of proteins in cell biology and cancer mechanisms has become a key area of research in oncology, especially in the context of their application in diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy [1] . Proteins are fundamental macromolecules with a wide range of biological functions, from structural to regulatory and enzymatic. Their role in maintaining cellular homeostasis means that any change in their structure, quantity, or function can lead to pathological consequences, including the formation of cancer [2,3] . In oncology, proteins not only play a role in cancer progression, but are also fundamental diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets [4] . Proteins are key cancer biomarkers because their presence, structure, or expression can indicate the presence of disease or its specific characteristics, such as stage, aggressiveness, or ability to metastasize. Protein biomarkers are used to diagnose cancer at an early stage, monitor response to treatment, and assess prognosis. Key biomarker proteins include HER2 in breast cancer, PSA in prostate cancer, and CA-125 in ovarian cancer [5,6] . Their detection and analysis allow faster and more precise identification of cancer and assessment of its molecular characteristics. Recent advancements in protein analysis technologies, including mass spectrometry, immunological assays, and high-through

FAQs

How do proteins contribute to cancer diagnosis and prognosis?

Protein presence, structure, or expression can reflect disease stage and aggressiveness. They are used for early diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and assessing prognosis.

Which protein biomarkers are highlighted as important examples?

The review cites HER2 in breast cancer, PSA in prostate cancer, and CA-125 in ovarian cancer as key biomarker proteins.

What targeted therapies does the review discuss, and what challenges remain?

It highlights targeted therapies including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies to improve efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity. Persistent issues include tumor resistance, variability in protein expression, and diagnostic heterogeneity.

Sep 21, 2026

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