Predictive marker

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Predictive Marker

A predictive marker is a biomarker that is used to identify the likelihood of a patient's response to a particular treatment. These markers are often used in oncology to predict the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Predictive markers are used to help determine the most effective treatment for a patient. They are often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and medical history to make a comprehensive treatment plan. Predictive markers can be found in the blood, tissue, or other bodily fluids and can be identified through various laboratory tests.

Types of Predictive Markers[edit | edit source]

There are several types of predictive markers used in medicine today. Some of the most common include:

  • Genetic markers: These are changes in DNA that can predict a person's risk of developing certain diseases or their response to treatment.
  • Protein markers: These are changes in the levels of certain proteins in the body that can indicate a disease or condition.
  • Metabolic markers: These are changes in the body's metabolic processes that can indicate a disease or condition.

Use in Oncology[edit | edit source]

In oncology, predictive markers are often used to determine the most effective treatment for a patient. For example, the presence of the HER2 gene in breast cancer patients can predict a positive response to Herceptin, a targeted therapy drug. Similarly, the presence of the KRAS gene in colorectal cancer patients can predict a negative response to EGFR inhibitor drugs.

Future Directions[edit | edit source]

The field of predictive markers is constantly evolving, with new markers being discovered and validated regularly. The use of predictive markers in personalized medicine is a promising area of research, with the potential to greatly improve patient outcomes.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Predictive marker Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD