Biomarker classification and application

Biomarker classification and application

The term Biomarker (BM) is an invention that came about by combining two words, biological, plus marker. It describes different physiological and chemical phenomena. It helps indicate a medical illness, exposure, or weakness when applied in biological systems, therapeutic interventions, or pathogenic procedures. There is great progress in the field of biomarkers with its use being diverse. It does not evaluate the feelings and moods of a person.

Classification of a Biomarker

A variety of techniques are applicable in the classification of biomarkers, which focus on its parameters and features. However, when we use Genetics and Molecular Biology, the organisation of biomarkers falls under different categories using three ways to differentiate them. The first method classifies them as: Natural history, drug activity and surrogate. Second methods classifies them as prognostic, predictive, and pharmacodynamic. The third, final method, classifies them as either disease-related or drug-related.

Application of Biomarkers (BM)

The use of biomarkers is widespread. Drug activity BM helps to give important information on the way a drug works and indicates it’s toxicological and therapeutic effects, if any. Natural history BM analyses the progress of a sickness over the years comparing it to available clinical indicators. Surrogate BM help calculate the consequence of using therapeutic intervention. Other biomarkers assist in the identification of diseases and predict threats associated with certain conditions.

Predictive BM helps to identify the appropriate treatment that will be most effective on an individual without risking their health. It helps to prevent giving multiple medications to patients and only focuses on what will work. Prognostic BM helps in predicting effects of an illness when a patient remains untreated. Pharmacodynamic BM sheds light on the biochemical interaction that happens when a patient takes medication.