The Role Of Proteomics In The Diagnosis Of Cancer Discussion
Approach For Searching Evidence
With the advancement of “omics” technology, the science of diagnosis has evolved and has changed its paths (Dalal et al., 2020). One of the primary advancements has been associated with the application of proteomics for diagnosis (Puranik et al., 2020). Proteomics has emerged as a highly valuable field in molecular sciences as it helps in providing information regarding identity, modifications, and expression levels in the proteins (Oliver et al., 2019). The ultimate goal of proteomic technologies is to ensure the use of technologies for routine clinical lab assessments and improve prognostic and diagnostic uses (Ghallab, 2019). This has been of prime importance in the case of cancer. Early detection of cancer is the ultimate way to control it and prevent loss of life. For this, proteomic technologies have emerged as a beneficial supplement to genomics and antibody technology (Puranik et al., 2020). The emergence of proteomics-based studies will allow for the effective assessment of tumour-specific proteomic profiles and can also help in an improved understanding of tumour development (Sobsey et al., 2020). In consensus with the same, this research proposal will aim to provide an evidence-based approach to design a secondary qualitative analysis that can be used for understanding the role of proteomics in the diagnosis of cancer.
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It is important to have a systematic approach for searching of the evidence (Bramer et al., 2018). The following approach is proposed: The Role Of Proteomics In The Diagnosis Of Cancer Discussion
Table 1: Key words and databases used for searching evidence
| Database | Key words | Boolean operators | Limiters used |
| PubMed Central | Cancer, proteomics, biology, diagnosis, cure, omics, proteome, protein, modification, detection, genomics, detection, metabolomics. | And, Or, Not
Search string examples: “Cancer proteomics and diagnosis”, “Cancer diagnosis proteomics not metabolomics”. |
2017-2022
Availability in full text |
| PubMed | |||
| Google Scholar | |||
| SCOPUS | |||
| Elsevier |
The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting of Items for Meta-analyses and Systematic Reviews) approach will be used for the selection of evidence and its inclusion in the research. This approach is suitable as it can help in the identification of suitable based on developed criteria and help in the selection of quality research for further analyses (Rethlefsen et al., 2021).
Table 2: PRISMA flowchart for selection of evidence
Table 3: Identified literature and evaluation of evidence based on hierarchy of evidence
| Authors | Research article | Hierarchy of evidence
(Classification criteria attached in appendix) |
Key findings |
| Nounu et al. (2021) | “A combined proteomics and Mendelian randomization approach to investigate the effects of aspirin-targeted proteins on colorectal cancer” | Level III | Proteins involved in DNA repair (MCM6 and RRM2) are associated with colorectal cancer. Lab analysis with proteomics can help in development of interventions to prevent and manage colorectal cancer. |
| Choudhary et al. (2021). | “Utilization of Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteome Analysis in the Diagnosis of Meningioma: A Systematic Review” | Level II | The Cerebrospinal fluid and its proteins can play an essential role in the cancer diagnosis. The paper identifies proteomics as a less invasive and more comprehensive procedure for cancer diagnosis than scanning. |
| Kaur et al. (2018) | “Salivary biomarkers for oral cancer and pre-cancer screening: a review” | Level I | Proteomics can be used for the development of biomarkers. This can act as a tool for screening and diagnosis of cancer or pre-cancers with high precision. |
| Macklin et al. (2020) | “Recent advances in mass spectrometry based clinical proteomics: Applications to cancer research”. | Level I | The proteomic data can act as an overlay to the clinical and genomics data. This can be used for drug development and cancer prognosis by identification of biomarkers. |
| Sun et al. (2018) | “Comparative proteomic analysis of exosomes and microvesicles in human saliva for lung cancer” | Level II | Salivary micro-vesicles can help in early detection and management of the proteins. |
| Hristova and Chan (2019) | “Cancer biomarker discovery and translation: proteomics and beyond” | Level I | Identification of cancer biomarkers can help in early diagnosis of cancer. It can help in increasing the lifespan of the diagnosed individuals and promote improved outcomes and chances of survival for individuals with cancer. |
The proposed research will aim to understand the available knowledge and information regarding the use of proteomics in the field of cancer biology and diagnosis, along with the existing perceptions of the cancer care professionals working in the field.
The primary research question that the proposal will explore is:
What is the role of proteomics in the diagnosis of cancer?
This study will follow a qualitative research approach and include both primary and secondary research for the derivation of inferences. Primary research is defined as a research process in which the data is generated de novo (DeJonckheere & Vaughn, 2019). That is, the data is collected by the researcher for analysis. Further, this research will assess the published literature and identify the knowledge and understanding regarding the use of proteomics for cancer research.
The qualitative research approach is a descriptive method and focuses on in-depth analysis of the research (Sawatsky et al., 2019). For this particular study, this is a suitable approach as it will help in synthesising knowledge from the published literature and outlining the perspectives of the field specialists. The primary benefit of using a qualitative research approach is that it ensures the gaining of systematic and voluminous data even with small sample size (Wagner et al., 2019). Further, qualitative research is more flexible and allows for exploration of information through multiple domains in comparison to quantitative analysis and hence, helps in establishing a foundational understanding of the research subject (Cypress, 2018) The Role Of Proteomics In The Diagnosis Of Cancer Discussion.
PRISMA Approach For Selection Of Evidence
Using published literature in contrast to the generation of new data for analysis is classified as secondary qualitative analysis (Sawatsky et al., 2019). The secondary research for qualitative analysis is focused on the selection and identification of the relevant literature. This helps in understanding the direction of ongoing research, its advancements, and projections. Hence, an evidence-based strategy can be developed in accordance with the same (Wagner et al., 2019). Therefore, developing background research is also beneficial for guiding future research and hence, will be helpful in the further research direction and development.
A research paradigm is defined as the primary philosophy that is undertaken to complete the study (Hennink et al., 2020). This is important as it helps in providing direction to the study and helps in planning the research process. One of the essential aspects of research is to transform the theoretical research and transform it in practice. The same forms the foundation of cancer proteomic research (Kilicoglu, 2018). This can be defined through translational cancer research. This research approach highlights the importance of the application of proteomics in cancer research and diagnosis.
The study will be conducted in two steps. The first step of the research will be to conduct a secondary qualitative analysis where the data from the published literature and research databases will be included and assessed. This information will be used to derive the current understanding and application of proteomics in cancer diagnosis and management (Skarbek, 2020). This research will be done on a computer system and does not require any specific research setting.
The second part of the study will be based on conducting a primary qualitative study in which interviews of the researchers working on cancer proteomics will be taken. The interviews will be conducted digitally through online meeting links such as zoom meetings to ensure that participants are comfortable and can be included in the research effectively without physical restrictions. With the advent of COVID-19, zoom meetings have gained popularity as a safer and a remote means of working in contrast to physical meetings. This will be done through the computer system.
It is important that the ethics of research completion are taken into consideration and are ensured in the research protocols (Matta, 2019). The same will be assured in the completion of the proposed research. To ensure the conservation of the ethical principles in the completion of part one of this research, that is, the secondary qualitative study, the focus will be on ensuring that the due credit is provided to all the researchers when the information is derived from their research by the inclusion of suitable references (Brennen,, 2021). For the second part of the research, when the interviews of different participants will be done for the collection of data and assessment, formal informed consent will be collected from the participants. Informed consent can be defined as a document of acknowledgement of the risks and benefits of research participation (Allan, 2020). A formal consent will be collected by informing the participants about the nature, scope and implication of the research. The participants will also be given the freedom to limit their participation in the process of the interview if they do not feel comfortable about it.
Identified Literature And Evaluation Of Evidence Based On Hierarchy Of Evidence
Identifying the target population and using a suitable sample for analysis is one of the critical steps associated with effective research outcomes. The proposed study will use a non-probabilistic method of sampling, that is, purposive sampling, for the selection of the research participants (Hennink et al., 2020). The purposive sampling method is defined as the method in which the researcher identifies and selects the participants of the research (Sawatsky et al., 2019). Since this study is focused on a small section and requires engagement only with specialists associated with proteomics and cancer diagnosis explicitly, the purposive sampling method will help in refining the sample population (DeJonckheere & Vaughn, 2019). This method will help in ensuring that only the trained professionals who have the expertise to provide answers to the respective research questions are included in the study. Professionals working in the field of cancer diagnosis and proteomics will be included in the study The Role Of Proteomics In The Diagnosis Of Cancer Discussion.
Several benefits are associated with the use of the purposive sampling method (Matta, 2019). Purposive sampling is one of the cost-effective and time-effective methods and is suitable when only a limited numbers of sources are to be used and analysed in the research (DeJonckheere & Vaughn, 2019). However, one of the primary aspects that need to be taken into consideration for this research is associated with the consideration that since the findings of this research is associated only with a small section of the population. Hence, the findings of this study cannot be used for generalisation on a larger section of the population.
The inclusion and exclusion criteria will be applied for the selection of the relevant research material from the literature databases (Hennink et al., 2020). The purpose of inclusion and exclusion criteria is to ensure that the parameters for inclusion of research and its implications are well defined for the researchers. The following inclusion and exclusion criteria will be used for the selection of suitable literature in the research.
- Research articles published in peer-reviewed journals will be included in the study.
- Research articles published in the last ten years will be included in the study.
- Research articles that will be available in full text and in the English language will be included in the research.
- Research articles based only on the diagnosis of cancer through proteomics will be included in the study.
- Secondary research studies, webpages, blogs, and opinion pieces will not be included in the research.
- Research articles published in journals that are not peer-reviewed will not be taken into consideration for this research.
- Research papers older than 2012 will be excluded and not included in this research.
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The collection of data for the first part of the research, that is, the qualitative secondary analysis, will be done through literature databases. Literature databases such as Medline, Google Scholar, PubMed Central, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Elsevier will be used for the completion of the secondary qualitative research. PRISMA approach will be applied for the primary screening of the literature. PRISMA offers an evidence-based approach for the systematic analysis of literature and helps in the identification of the quality of research based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria developed (Sawatsky et al., 2019). Hence, the PRISMA approach is focused on ensuring that the research articles are screened for their availability in full text, duplicity, and the overall consensus with the research question and objectives developed (Wagner et al., 2019). Once the articles are identified through primary screening of PRISMA, critical analysis and evaluation of the research proposal will also be done. A critical appraisal tool of the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Program) checklist will be used to assess and evaluate the quality of research published in the paper. Critical appraisal of the research articles is important as it helps in the identification of the quality literature by spooling out the relevant studies from the pool of literature (Sawatsky et al., 2019). Critical appraisal of research is also important as it can help in the identification of rigour of the study and identify its findings can be applied to a broader section of science and population (Peters et al., 2020). Hence, a critical appraisal helps in enhancing the reliability of evidence and promotes the collection of quality research for the derivation of suitable inferences (Peters et al., 2021). Both PRISMA and CASP checklists provide a systematic view and set of objective questions to analyse the quality of the research. Hence, the findings can be used by the researcher to reach a suitable inference and conclude the same.
Research Question
The data collection for the second part of this research, that is, the primary qualitative study, will be done by conducting interviews with the participants (Swain, 2018). Interviews are regarded as an efficient tool for qualitative data collection as it allows for free flow of communication between the researcher and participants (Flick, 2018). To conduct the interview, a questionnaire will be developed in alignment with the research question and its objectives. The interview questions will be open-ended and semi-structured. The use of open-ended semi-structured interviews allows the participants to freely share the information and provide comprehensive details for the assessment (Peters et al., 2021). The research indicates that the use of semi-structured interviews helps in the collection of qualitative data and allows for the exploration of the individual thoughts and beliefs of the participants. It also helps in the understanding of the participants’ approach to the research question and helps in building a foundational understanding of the subject. However, the conduction of interviews is also associated with certain limitations that need to be taken into consideration (Swain, 2018). One of the primary aspects associated with the completion of research using the interviews is the risk of bias and limited reliance due to self-reporting. Since the participants provide the data in this approach through their subjective understanding and implicated bias may be associated with the completion of the research (Peters et al., 2020). Therefore, to successfully collect the data, bias minimisation strategies such as the use of standardised questions, the use of a defined interview guide, and anonymity in the research will be taken into consideration. Further, the data of the interviews will also be validated against the secondary analysis generated through a literature search (Wagner et al., 2019)The Role Of Proteomics In The Diagnosis Of Cancer Discussion.
Analysis of literature derived through the secondary qualitative analysis will be done by using thematic analysis (Flick, 2018). Thematic analysis is an approach that is used in qualitative studies for the identification and examination of themes that emerge from a research question or a topic of concern. Further, the thematic analysis will also be used for the derivation of the common themes that emerge from the analysis of interview transcripts of the participants (Peters et al., 2020).
Thematic analysis is regarded as a comprehensive approach that can be applied to the literature (Castleberry & Nolen, 2018). The process of thematic analysis is associated with the seven key steps. All the seven steps will be sued for the analysis of data generated in this research. The first step of the process is transcription, followed by reading and familiarisation (Wagner et al., 2019). The third step for conducting thematic analysis in the research is the process of coding. The fourth step of this process is searching for themes, followed by reviewing the themes. Then, the themes are named and defined and eventually, a final qualitative analysis is presented in the research (Castleberry & Nolen, 2018).
One of the key purposes of the completion of a scientific study is to ensure its communication (MacDonald, 2021). Hence, sharing of research work is an integral component of research completion. It is associated with ensuring that the findings are communicated and can be utilised by the greater scientific community for further developments and implementations (Hornig Priest, 2021). This study is important as it will help in understanding the knowledge and information about the role of proteomics in cancer diagnosis and will serve as a consolidated piece of work for reference by the scholars. Eventually, this will help in the development of efficient methods for drug development and identify the effective therapeutic targets. With this information, it can be visioned that treatment and prevention aspects of cancer will be more effective, and the health and wellbeing of the community can be enhanced further. Therefore, the sharing of this research will be done through scientific publications and news magazines, conferences and workshops (Gustafson & Rice, 2020). The process of communication of this research will be targeted toward the primary audience of proteomics and cancer researchers as well as drug development and diagnostics specialists. This targeted approach will help in enhanced communication of the scientific findings and promote a greater reach of the evidence generated through this research.
Qualitative Research Approach
One of the primary factors that can act as a hindrance to the dissemination of this research is the use of complicated language and poor explanation of the technology (Joubert, et al., 2019). Further, a factor that can hinder the implementation of this research is the limited participation of the researchers. It is important that the suitable participants of the research are identified. That is, the focus is on the researchers working in the field of cancer diagnosis and proteomics. Therefore, with a limited number of researchers working in this direction, it is possible that the sample size of the population is restricted. It can also be difficult to convince the researchers to ensure their active participation in the research. These factors can limit the scope of the research. Hence, suitable interventions need to be developed. (MacDonald, 2021)
To ensure that the science is communicated to the wider audiences is done in simple language and in alignment with the evidence generated and findings. Having simplified language will help the research reach a greater audience and also help the improve engagement of the participants (Hornig Priest, 2021). To ensure effective implementation of the research, it is important that the researchers are recruited in the study efficiently. For the primary qualitative data generation, it is important that the interviews are scheduled in a timely manner and the researchers are engaged in the process (Gustafson & Rice, 2020. The participants should be informed about the scope of the research to promote their engagement and to also encourage their participation in the research. Flexibility in terms of availability should be ensured in the collection of data to ensure greater participation and expansion of the sample size in the research (MacDonald, 2021).
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Conclusion
The advancement of technology in molecular sciences has served as a vision of hope that fatal diseases such as cancer can be diagnosed earlier and better with them. One such promising approach is the proteomics approach for the diagnosis of cancer, in which the protein profile of an individual is assessed for the diagnosis. This paper provides a research proposal aimed at understanding the existing knowledge and perceptions regarding the use of proteomics in the diagnosis of cancer. This proposal identifies the primary research aim and proposes the methodology for a pilot study in conjunction with the same. A qualitative research approach has been proposed in this study where the data will be collected through systematic analysis of literature and conduction of interviews with the participants who work as researchers in the field of cancer diagnosis and proteomics. The paper also outlines the foundational background for developing this research. Further, it also outlines the hindrances that can be associated with the process of research implementation and dissemination and identify the tactics that can be used for the elimination of the same. Through this research, the future scope of improved understanding of proteomics in the field of cancer diagnosis is indicated. The findings of this study will be beneficial in future cancer research and diagnosis and promote an improved understanding of how proteomics research can be beneficial in cancer biology. The Role Of Proteomics In The Diagnosis Of Cancer Discussion