Using Reverse-Phase Protein Arrays (RPPAs) as Pharmacodynamic Assays for Functional Proteomics, Biomarker Discovery, and Drug Development in Cancer

The majority of the targeted therapeutic agents in clinical use target proteins and protein function. Although DNA and RNA analyses have been used extensively to identify novel targets and patients likely to benefit from targeted therapies, these are indirect measures of the levels and functions of most therapeutic targets. More importantly, DNA and RNA analysis is ill-suited for determining the pharmacodynamic effects of target inhibition. Assessing changes in protein levels and function is the most efficient way to evaluate the mechanisms underlying sensitivity and resistance to targeted agents.
Source: Seminars in Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Source Type: research