Biomarkers

A biomarker, also known as a molecular marker, can provide valuable insights into normal or physiological processes or disease states in the body. Among others, biomarkers can include single molecules (such as proteins, nucleic acids, or antibodies) or a group of molecules (for example, a gene expression profile, metabolome, etc.), that can be measured in body fluids (blood, serum, urine) or tissues.

Over the last decades, biomarkers have impacted clinical practice. Clinicians consider established biomarkers as reliable indicators of fundamental biological processes occurring in patients that support diagnosis and response to treatment. As biomarkers are an essential tool in public health, the identification/validation of new biomarkers is crucial.

Researchers at Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS) dedicate their efforts to the discovery of new biomarkers that:

• Estimate the risk of developing cancer;

• Determine patient prognosis;

• Predict response to therapy;

• Monitor cancer progression/recurrence.

Identifying and validating disease-specific biomarkers strongly contributes to the development of precision medicine and improvement in quality of life, namely by tailoring treatments to individuals or patient subgroups, as well as by enhancing efficacy and patient prognosis. Aligned with such goals, the SENTINEL project proposes a new monitoring technology for high-risk profile cancer patients by remote monitoring of molecular biomarkers.

For more information about SENTINEL, please visit the project’s LinkedIn page: Project Sentinel | LinkedIn