Narrative Review and Evidence Mapping

Proteomics involves the identification and quantification of all or specific proteins in a biological sample, with the purpose of explaining the structure and function of those proteins in an organism. Clinical proteomics offers the promise of more precise risk assessment, diagnosis, and prognosis of disease. As such, proteomic testing has been proposed for a wide variety of applications, including for determining risk of conditions, diagnosing conditions, helping select optimal therapies, and determining response to therapies. Because of increased attention to the potential of proteomic testing, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) commissioned a narrative review and the development of evidence maps regarding these procedures. Evidence maps provide a visual overview of large research areas by indicating the research focus and the quantity of existing research as well as gaps in knowledge. This report presents, in an evidence map format, the evidence currently supporting approved proteomic tests in the United States for cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as proteomic tests in these medical fields that may be available in the near term.