Biomarkerlähtöisyys

Biomarkerlähtöisyys, a Finnish term that can be translated as "biomarker-driven," refers to an approach in medicine and research where decisions about diagnosis, prognosis, treatment selection, or monitoring are primarily guided by the presence, absence, or level of specific biomarkers. Biomarkers are measurable indicators of a biological state or condition, such as a molecule, gene, or physiological characteristic.

In clinical practice, biomarkerlähtöisyys is increasingly important in areas like oncology. For example, certain cancers can be treated more effectively if a specific genetic mutation (a biomarker) is identified in the tumor, allowing for targeted therapy. Similarly, in infectious diseases, biomarkers can help identify the pathogen and guide antibiotic selection.

The concept extends beyond treatment. Biomarkerlähtöisyys can also be used for early disease detection, predicting a patient's likelihood of developing a certain condition, or monitoring the progression of a disease and the effectiveness of interventions. This approach aims to personalize medicine, moving away from one-size-fits-all treatments towards strategies tailored to an individual's biological profile. The development and validation of reliable biomarkers are crucial for the successful implementation of biomarkerlähtöisyys.