The proteome comes of age, but precision oncology needs functional maps

The development of peptide-based therapies for cancer treatment has gained significant momentum in recent years. However, the complexity of the human proteome poses substantial challenges to the translation of these findings into clinically relevant therapeutic strategies. A comprehensive understanding of protein abundance across different tissues and cancer types is essential for precision oncology. Yue and colleagues have made a significant contribution to this field by presenting a landmark anatomical atlas of human protein abundance across non-malignant tissues and cancers. Their work provides a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians seeking to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying various diseases. The atlas highlights the importance of functional proteomic maps that incorporate signalling activity, post-translational modifications, pathology-guided compartment resolution, metastatic and longitudinal sampling, clinical annotation, and population diversity. These features are crucial for making proteomics therapeutically actionable. By integrating these elements, researchers can develop more targeted and effective peptide therapies for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that the data presented in this atlas is intended for research use only (RUO) and should not be used for clinical applications without further validation and regulatory approval. As such, users of this resource are advised to exercise caution and consult with relevant experts before using these peptides in any therapeutic context.