Biomarkers

Subject: Science and tech

Context:

Researchers at the Cancer Institute, Chennai (WIA) have identified a panel of five protein markers in the blood that can help with an early diagnosis of a common and lethal form of ovarian cancer.

Concept:

• Biomarker is a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes or pharmacological responses to a therapeutic intervention.
• Biomarkers are the measures used to perform a clinical assessment such as blood pressure or cholesterol level and are used to monitor and predict health states in individuals or across populations so that appropriate therapeutic intervention can be planned.
• A wide range of biomarkers are used today. Every biological system (for example the cardiovascular system, metabolic system or the immune system) has its own specific biomarkers.
• Characteristics of an ideal biomarker
• Safe and easy to measure
• Cost efficient to follow up
• Modifiable with treatment
• Consistent across gender and ethnic group