Biomarkers

Source-This post on Biomarkers has been created based on the article “Detecting cancer in minutes possible with just a drop of dried blood and new test, study hints” published in “Live science” on 24 April 2024.

Why in the news?

For the potential detection of cancer in its earlier stages, screening of blood biomarkers is being suggested as a possible method by researchers.

According to the researchers, a new AI-powered test can be used to accurately and quickly detect three major types of cancer, by using only a single spot of dried blood. This dried blood spot can serve as a biomarker for cancer detection.

About Biomarkers

1. According to WHO, Biomarker is defined as any measurement which reflects an interaction between a biological system and a potential hazard. This potential hazard may be chemical, physical, or biological. The measured response is measured in functional, physiological or biochemical terms. 

2. It is an objective measurement that captures what is happening in a cell or an organism at a given moment. It is often referred to as molecular markers or signature molecules.

3. Biomarkers consist of biomolecules like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, genes, DNA, RNA, platelets, enzymes, and hormones.

4. Biomarkers play a crucial role in disease diagnosis, appropriate drug prescription, dosage determination, and drug development.