PROACTIVE · High Throughput Proteomics Systems for Accelerated Profiling of Putative Plasma Biomarkers

The PROACTIVE consortium will through research and innovation develop the multiplexed proximity ligation assay into a high throughput protein detection and quantification technology along with novel data management and analysis tools. Hundreds of putative biomarkers of the plasma proteome can then be assayed with high sensitivity in minute sample volumes, far surpassing any current capabilities. This consortium combines three SMEs across Europe with synergistic competences in technology development, reagent manufacturing, and software development for data management and analysis. Together with clinical cancer scientists, biostatisticians, and diagnostics industry, these high capacity tools will be evaluated in pilot projects for cancer biomarkers using biobanked samples. Preliminary data in the literature claim improved diagnostics with the use of multiple complementary protein markers. However, there is a lack of suitable high throughput procedures for finding new markers and discovering which markers complement each other into effective diagnostic panels. Better capabilities to diagnose cancer at the early and most curable stages will greatly improve human health and reduce health care costs. Patient stratification is also in need of better diagnostics to facilitate the selection of appropriate patient care. Many clinically used immunoassays capable of diagnosing cancer have been in use for many years as single markers but with limited sensitivity and specificity. No marker can today single-handedly diagnose all cases with desired accuracy for a certain cancer type. Also, the performance of these markers is decreased for the earliest stages of the disease. At the conclusion of this collaborative project, the research and innovation conducted within the consortium will enable the partners to position themselves at the very fore-front of high-throughput biomarker research strengthening their competitiveness in the international arena.