Identification and Validation of Biomarkers

In identifying and validating a new biomarker several important questions need to be considered, including  

Lastly, as with all studies involving human subjects, any ethical implications of biomarker testing should be considered and properly addressed. 

The following section discusses the three main steps of the biomarker validation process, or the fife cycle of a biomarker (1) its identification and development, (2) its validation using epidemiological methods, and (3) its application in etiological or clinical studies. 

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Identification and validation of biomarkers predictive of disease, particularly cancer, is a significant and expanding area in clinical research. Quality cancer biomarkers should facilitate early detection and diagnosis of the disease, with more specific markers used for classification (such as grade/stage) or subtype determination of the... 

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