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Biomarker
“
A biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues, that is a sign of a
normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease.
A biomarker may be used to see how well the body responds to
a treatment for a disease or condition. Also called molecular
marker and signature molecule
”
1
Mercury No: ONCES15NP00693-01
Biomarker: definition and ideal features
The ideal biomarker should be:
‒ Reproducible
‒ Easy to assess
‒ Technically quick to perform
‒ Accessible
‒ (Relatively) cheap
‒ Prognostic, as well as predictive
1. National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Available at:
http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?CdrID=45618 .Accessed September 2014.