Brandy M Heckman-Stoddard1. 1. Divisionof Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. heckmanbm@mail.nih.gov
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To discuss the discovery, validation, and clinical use of multiple types of biomarkers. DATA SOURCES: Medical literature and published guidelines. CONCLUSION: Formal validation of biomarkers should include both retrospective analyses of well-characterized samples as well as a prospective clinical trial in which the biomarker is tested for its ability to predict the presence of disease or the efficacy of a cancer therapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Biomarker development is complicated, with very few biomarker discoveries leading to clinically useful tests. Nurses should understand how a biomarker was developed, including the sensitivity and specificity before applying new biomarkers in the clinical setting.
OBJECTIVES: To discuss the discovery, validation, and clinical use of multiple types of biomarkers. DATA SOURCES: Medical literature and published guidelines. CONCLUSION: Formal validation of biomarkers should include both retrospective analyses of well-characterized samples as well as a prospective clinical trial in which the biomarker is tested for its ability to predict the presence of disease or the efficacy of a cancer therapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Biomarker development is complicated, with very few biomarker discoveries leading to clinically useful tests. Nurses should understand how a biomarker was developed, including the sensitivity and specificity before applying new biomarkers in the clinical setting.
Authors: George Pentheroudakis; Vassiliki Kotoula; Elena Fountzilas; George Kouvatseas; George Basdanis; Ioannis Xanthakis; Thomas Makatsoris; Elpida Charalambous; Demetris Papamichael; Epaminontas Samantas; Pavlos Papakostas; Dimitrios Bafaloukos; Evangelia Razis; Christos Christodoulou; Ioannis Varthalitis; Nicholas Pavlidis; George Fountzilas Journal: BMC Cancer Date: 2014-02-20 Impact factor: 4.430