Emerging technologies for the genomic analysis of cancer

Cancer-cell survival, growth and metastatic potential are directed by dominant molecular signalling patterns, the components of which have been shown to be qualitatively different from their normal tissue counterparts. These signalling patterns can now be further distinguished by quantitative assessment, either at a single point in time or at intervals. This commentary will focus on the emergence of proteomic analysis which, in conjunction with the genomic expression data, is an evolving technology that one day will enable personalized therapeutic strategies that are differentially targeted against cancer.