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. 2015 Jun;4(3):256-269.
doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2218-676X.2015.06.04.

Cancer biomarker discovery and validation

Nicolas Goossens  1 , Shigeki Nakagawa  2 , Xiaochen Sun  2 , Yujin Hoshida  2
Affiliations

Cancer biomarker discovery and validation

Nicolas Goossens et al. Transl Cancer Res. 2015 Jun.

Abstract

With the emergence of genomic profiling technologies and selective molecular targeted therapies, biomarkers play an increasingly important role in the clinical management of cancer patients. Single gene/protein or multi-gene "signature"-based assays have been introduced to measure specific molecular pathway deregulations that guide therapeutic decision-making as predictive biomarkers. Genome-based prognostic biomarkers are also available for several cancer types for potential incorporation into clinical prognostic staging systems or practice guidelines. However, there is still a large gap between initial biomarker discovery studies and their clinical translation due to the challenges in the process of cancer biomarker development. In this review we summarize the steps of biomarker development, highlight key issues in successful validation and implementation, and overview representative examples in the oncology field. We also discuss regulatory issues and future perspectives in the era of big data analysis and precision medicine.

Keywords: Cancer; biomarker; companion biomarker; drug response biomarker; prognosis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic overview of the processes of cancer biomarker development.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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