Page 48 - ITPS-7-4

INNOSC Theranostics and
Pharmacological Sciences Biomarkers and drugs in Africa

such as tumor size or the number of lesions. Examples identify molecular signatures or abnormalities associated
include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed with a condition. Matching patients to the most effective
tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography treatments based on their characteristics through
(PET) scans. Functional imaging biomarkers indicate biomarker-guided therapy can optimize treatment
changes in function or metabolism, such as blood flow efficacy and minimize adverse effects. 17,25,26 The evaluation
or oxygen use. Examples include functional MRI, single- of disease risk, along with diagnosis, prognosis, and
photon emission CT, and PET. 16 treatment, can be supported by using biomarkers as
early warning systems. 17,27 They can reduce bias and
3.1.7. Molecular biomarkers misclassification in epidemiological research by increasing
Molecular biomarkers can detect molecular changes or the sensitivity and specificity of measuring exposures or
specific molecules. There are two main types. Biochemical risk variables. They can help identify patients prone to
biomarkers detect changes in specific chemicals in the illness and provide more effective population stratification
body. Examples include blood glucose, cholesterol, and based on illness risk. They can provide insights into the
27
creatinine levels. Molecular profile biomarkers detect disease course, prognosis, and treatment effectiveness.
changes in the DNA, RNA, or proteins of a cell or tissue. Despite their advantages, biomarkers have limitations.
Examples include gene expression, microRNA, and One notable disadvantage is the risk of overuse or misuse,
proteomic profiles. Molecular biomarkers are useful for which can lead to misinterpretation of results due to a lack
diagnosing diseases, predicting prognosis, and monitoring of comprehension of the disease’s pathophysiology and
28
treatment response. 17 intervention mechanisms. Furthermore, the diagnostic
processes for certain diseases, such as cardiovascular
3.2. Current scenario of biomarkers in diagnosis and diseases (CVDs), may require a multimarker approach that
personalized medicine utilizes various biomarkers. This could potentially increase
26
Biomarkers play a crucial role in predicting prognosis, the cost and complexity of the diagnostic procedures.
choosing suitable treatments, and tracking therapeutic In addition, regulatory restrictions on the approval and
responses. 17,18 They facilitate early disease detection, patient validation of biomarker data create added challenges in the
26
stratification based on disease risk or treatment response, and drug development process. These constraints underscore
personalized treatment decision-making. 17,19 Biomarkers the importance of an equitable and informed strategy for
29
are essential for diagnosing and tailoring treatment for utilizing biomarkers in the healthcare industry.
various diseases, such as breast cancer and sarcoidosis. 3.4. Common types of biomarkers
They help identify conditions early, predict prognosis,
anticipate treatment response, and guide therapy, ultimately Biomarkers are essential in clinical diagnostics and
enhancing patient outcomes. Similarly, novel biomarkers biomedical research, and they are derived from different
9,20
discovered through gene expression profiling and omics biological materials. Immunohistochemistry assays are
30
sciences offer the potential for improving diagnosis and often used to detect protein biomarkers. Biomarkers
predicting disease progression in sarcoidosis, underscoring in RNA, especially chimeric RNA present in exosomes
the need for better diagnostic tools in this area. Breast obtained from bodily fluids, are used to diagnose
21
31
cancer subtypes are classified and targeted therapies (e.g., diseases. Exosomes, which are tiny extracellular vesicles
tamoxifen and trastuzumab) are guided using biomarkers found in bodily fluids, contain abundant tumor-specific
such as the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and material such as nucleic acids and proteins, making them
32
HER2. Treatment selection with BRAF inhibitors in patients highly useful for cancer diagnostics. Biomarkers can be
with melanoma is guided by biomarkers such as BRAF detected in blood, saliva, urine, peritoneal fluid, and other
mutations. 22,23 Diagnostic biomarkers also play a crucial biofluids, providing a non-invasive method for detecting
33
role in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and monitoring diseases.
lupus, and multiple sclerosis for confirming diagnoses and 4. Discussion
tracking disease activity. In addition, biomarkers for disease
severity are used to help tailor treatment for inflammatory 4.1. History of biomarkers
skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. 24 The term “biomarker” dates back to the 1800s. Biomarkers
34
were referred to as surrogate markers in the late 1980s and
3.3. Application of biomarkers and their advantages later became known as surrogate endpoints. The concept
34
and disadvantages began with the discovery of certain molecules or cells in the
Biomarkers have demonstrated several advantages; early body that could be used to check biological body processes,
disease detection can be achieved using biomarkers to diagnose certain diseases, or evaluate pharmacological

Volume 7 Issue 4 (2024) 4 doi: 10.36922/itps.3656