THE USE OF BIOMARKER EXPRESSION TO CHARACTERIZE NEOPLASTIC PROCESSES

Biomarkers have been used by pathologists to aid the diagnosis of tumo rs for almost three decades. Their use has resulted in the re-evaluati on and reclassification of several types of tumors, Currently, biomark ers are required to differentiate certain specific tumors with similar histologic patterns, Additional uses of biomarkers in the characteriz ation of neoplastic processes are discussed including their use in pro gnosis, detecting early neoplastic processes, identifying tumor recurr ence, measuring the effectiveness of various therapies (surrogate end point biomarkers), and identifying targets for novel therapies includi ng immunotherapy and gene therapy, We propose that these newer uses of biomarkers will be just as important to pathology in the future as th e uses of biomarkers in diagnosis have been over the past two decades.