Oncology Biomarkers: Discovery, Validation, and Clinical Use

ObjectivesTo discuss the discovery, validation, and clinical use of multiple types of biomarkers.Data SourcesMedical literature and published guidelines.ConclusionFormal 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 PracticeBiomarker 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.