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(pro’-tee-om’-iks)
What is Proteomics?
The emerging field of Proteomics holds great promise for the early
detection of cancer. Proteomics is the study of proteins and fragments
of proteins (peptides) in the body and their relationship to disease.
Specific patterns of proteins circulating in the blood can identify
cancer in the same way fingerprints can identify people. These proteins,
shed by cancer cells, are present in the blood, and can serve as
indicators or “markers” of cancer. The Retinoblastoma
Center at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles has embarked on an intensive
effort to apply these principles to improve the early detection
of retinoblastoma and other malignancies.
Why is Proteomics so important?
Children who have been diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma
have an increased risk to develop non-ocular tumors, such as bone,
and soft tissue cancer as well as melanoma throughout their lifetime.
Unfortunately, for many types of cancer there are no adequate surveillance
methods available to ensure early diagnosis and treatment among
affected individuals and/or susceptible individuals. Many more children
die from a retinoblastoma –associated malignancy than die from
retinoblastoma. For this reason, there is a tremendous need to produce
screening tests for various types of cancer that can assure the
earliest possible diagnosis and treatment. Survival is directly
related to early diagnosis.
What is the goal of the Proteomics Fund?
To date, Proteomics research has focused on common types of cancer
that occur among adults. This approach does not address the needs
of children with cancer, namely retinoblastoma. The goal of the
Proteomics Fund is to jump-start the research on early detection
of childhood cancers , with an emphasis on those that threaten survivors
of retinoblastoma. Retinoblastoma will be the first childhood tumor
studied in this landmark program. When this work is successful,
proteomics-based early detection will be extended to other childhood
cancers.
How can I be a part of this
important research?
The Proteomics Fund was founded by the parents of Rory Anne, a
brave little girl diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma by Dr.
Murphree at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. For this reason, all
payments can go directly to the RBI-Proteomics Fund. It is important
to label them with "Proteomics Fund" so that they go directly
to this important research.
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E-MAIL, OR PRINT A 2-PAGE PROTEOMICS FUNDRAISING BROCHURE
CONTACT
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