Does the biomarker search paradigm need re-booting?

Key Questions about Biomarker Discovery in Bladder Cancer

The article "Does the biomarker search paradigm need re-booting?" discusses the challenges in developing non-invasive biomarkers for bladder cancer recurrence and progression. Despite extensive research, no commercially available biomarkers match the sensitivity and specificity of cystoscopy, the current gold standard. The author suggests that conventional approaches to biomarker discovery are inadequate, and a systems biology approach is necessary to develop clinically useful biomarker panels.

1. What is the current challenge in bladder cancer monitoring?

The primary challenge is the high recurrence and progression rates of bladder cancer, coupled with the limitations of cystoscopy, which is invasive and has poor patient compliance. There is a need for non-invasive biomarkers with sensitivity and specificity comparable to cystoscopy.

2. Why have conventional biomarker discovery approaches been inadequate?

Conventional approaches have been inadequate because they do not leverage the full potential of post-genomic technologies. The author argues that a systems biology approach is necessary to identify clinically useful biomarker panels.

3. What is the proposed solution to improve biomarker discovery?

The proposed solution is to adopt a systems biology approach that integrates various biological data to identify biomarker panels with the required sensitivity and specificity for clinical use.

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