Cancer Biomarkers

Advances in biotechnology and genomics have given scientists new hope that biomarkers can be used to improve cancer screening and detection, to improve the drug development process, and to enhance the effectiveness and safety of cancer care by allowing physicians to tailor treatment for individual patients--an approach known as personalized medicine. This book concludes that improved methods, tools, and resources are necessary for the discovery and development of biomarkers, as well as better guidlines, standards, and oversights. The recommendations focus on streamlining the biomarker discovery and development process to make effective use of the available resources and create a pathway for success that balances the need to encourage innovation with adequate standards for validation and qualification.