Proteomics: An Indispensable Tool for Novel Biomarker Identification in Melanoma

Melanoma is a prevalent disease with a high mortality rate. The advent of proteomics has enabled the identification of various prognostic and diagnostic melanoma biomarkers, fulfilling a vital need. The development of various protein fractionation and analysis tools has advanced the role of proteomics in analyzing complex protein samples obtained from melanoma patients. Proteomics is also being utilized to help guide drug design and the development of treatment algorithms. Ultimately, proteomics-based methodologies have proven to be paramount to the success of research being done on melanoma and the drugs used for treatment. These techniques will continue to shed light on the mechanisms of action driving therapeutic efficacy and toxicity, in hopes of extending survival and improving patient outcomes and quality of life.