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Biomarkers: the body's signals

A biomarker is something measurable in blood, bone marrow or tissue that tells us about a disease, its risk or the response to treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
The bloodstream
Figure 1.The bloodstream — Biomarkers: the body's signals

01Short answer

Leukaemia has many biomarkers: proteins on the cell surface (immunophenotype), genetic mutations, chromosome changes, BCR::ABL1 levels and MRD. They help make the diagnosis, estimate risk, choose a medicine and follow how treatment is going. Some biomarkers show that a targeted medicine is likely to work. Your doctor always interprets a test result together with other information.

02Simple explanation

A measurable signal.

Diagnosis and risk.

Medicine choice.

Monitoring.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: biomarker testing looks for genes, proteins and other substances that help choose cancer treatment.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Prognostic

Shows the likely course of the disease.

A laboratory scientist in gloves and safety glasses checking a blood sample tube
Figure 2.A blood sample — the main source of biomarkers

Predictive

Shows the likely response to a specific treatment.

A compass
Figure 3.A compass — Biomarkers: the body's signals

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
PrognosticShows the likely course of the disease.
PredictiveShows the likely response to a specific treatment.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

Biomarker
A measurable biological sign.
Immunophenotype
The set of proteins on a cell's surface.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Measure.
  • Interpret.
  • Monitor.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Which biomarkers have I been tested for?

Ask your doctor to explain the report.

Can a biomarker change?

Yes, during treatment and relapse; that is why tests are repeated.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Which biomarkers have I been tested for?

  2. Can a biomarker change?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: biomarker
  3. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  4. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  5. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  6. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Phases of Clinical Trials
  7. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Placebos in Cancer Clinical Trials
  8. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Questions to Ask About Clinical Trials
  9. American Cancer Society. Clinical Trials
  10. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Step 3: Clinical Research
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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