Context: Gynecological disorders represent a complex set of malignancies that result from a diverse array of molecular changes affecting the lives of over a million women worldwide. Ovarian, Endometrial, and Cervical cancers, Endometriosis, PCOS are the most prevalent ones that pose a grave threat to women's health. Proteomics has emerged as an invaluable tool for developing novel biomarkers, screening methods, and targeted therapeutic agents for gynecological disorders. Some of these biomarkers have been approved by the FDA, but regrettably, they have a constrained diagnostic accuracy in early-stage diagnosis as all of these biomarkers lack sensitivity and specificity. Lately, high-throughput proteomics technologies have made significant strides, allowing for identification of potential biomarkers with improved sensitivity and specificity. However, limited successes have been shown with translation of these discoveries into clinical practice.
Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current and potential protein biomarkers for gynecological cancers, endometriosis and PCOS, discusses recent advances and challenges, and highlights future directions for the field.
Conclusion: We propose that proteomics holds great promise as a powerful tool to revolutionize the fight against female reproductive diseases and can ultimately improve personalized patient outcomes in women's biomedicine.
Keywords: Biomarkers; gynecology; proteomics; reproductive diseases; reproductive medicine.