Tumor tissue proteins

Tumor tissue proteins is a broad, collective term referring to the entire complement of proteins expressed by malignant cells and the associated stroma within a tumor, often studied as the tumor proteome (Source: Nature Reviews Cancer, 2017). This category includes a wide variety of molecular classes such as oncoproteins, tumor suppressors, and metabolic enzymes that facilitate cancer hallmarks like uncontrolled growth and metastasis (Source: Cell, 2011). Because the term encompasses thousands of distinct proteins rather than a single molecular entity, it is not considered a discrete therapeutic target in drug development. Instead, it serves as a pool from which specific, actionable targets—such as HER2 or EGFR—are identified for precision medicine. Drugs interact with individual proteins within this group to disrupt specific signaling pathways or induce immune responses against the tumor. The characterization of these proteins is essential for discovering diagnostic biomarkers and understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance (Source: Journal of Proteome Research, 2020).

Other names

Tumor proteomeCancer-associated proteinsNeoplastic proteinsTumor-associated antigens

Not applicable for a collective proteome; involves diverse actions against specific protein components.