Oral cancer proteomics.

Proteomics is a novel molecular profiling technology that may significantly accelerate human cancer research. This review summarizes recent progress in oral cancer proteomics and discusses potential applications in this emerging field. With the rapid development of proteomics tools, this technology platform will be utilized to discover highly sensitive and specific protein markers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, elucidate the molecular determinants and key signal pathways underlying the disease mechanism, identify novel therapeutic targets and assess drug efficacy and toxicity, and to monitor treatment response and the relapse of the cancer. These proteomic applications may collectively facilitate the early detection and successful treatment of this devastating disease in the future.