Many books provide a comprehensive explanation of basic proteomic techniques, but few illustrate how those techniques are applied to real-life biomedical problems. Cancer Biomarkers: Analytical Techniques for Discovery is an exception. It starts with an in-depth description of proteomic methods like mass spectrometry and protein arrays used to identify novel biomarkers. Next, Hamdan describes currently used as well as potential biomarkers. Examples include prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and breast cancer genes 1 and 2 (BRCA1 and BRCA2). Furthermore, there is a section devoted to the biochemical and cellular function of those biomarkers. A unique aspect of the book is that ethical as well as scientific issues are addressed. For example, the consequences of genetic testing arising from the discovery of new cancer biomarkers are described. Finally, issues regarding clinical trials are discussed.
Each chapter starts as a basic overview and then goes into great detail of each technique or biomarker. Therefore, this book is appropriate for scientists of many levels from graduate and medical students interested in cancer research to post doctoral fellows and faculty members looking to update their knowledge of the field. The hierarchical organization of the book causes some parts to be repetitive. However, it allows one to determine which chapters are interesting before devoting time to reading them. All sections of the book are well written and up-to-date. I recommend Cancer Biomarkers: Analytical Techniques for Discovery to anyone interested in learning about cancer research from the basic discovery to clinical stages.