What is a Biomarker?

An ideal biomarker has certain characteristics that make it appropriate for checking a particular disease condition. Ideally, an ideal marker should have the following features:

• Safe and easy to measure
• Cost efficient to follow up
• Modifiable with treatment
• Consistent across gender and ethnic groups

Biomarkers as health and disease predictors

Biomarkers are used to predict serious illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Each individual biomarker indicates whether there is a disease or health state and can be combined to provide a detailed picture of how healthy a person is and whether or not a diagnosis needs to be made.

Biomarkers in cancer detection and drug development

The principles of biomarkers in disease have been applied to the detection, screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of cancer. Traditionally, anti-cancer drugs were agents that killed both cancer cells and healthy cells. However, more targeted therapies have now been developed that can be directed to kill cancer cells only, while sparing healthy cells.

The assessment of a typical biomarker in cancer helps in the development of therapies that can target the biomarker. This can minimize the risk of toxicity and reduce the cost of treatment.

In cancer research, genetic studies are valuable because genetic abnormalities so often underlie the development of cancer. Certain DNA or RNA markers may therefore help in the detection and treatment of specific cancers.