Internal Medicine: Open Access
Open Access

The Role of Biomarkers in Modern Internal Medicine: Advancements and Applications

Yang Fan^{* *}Correspondence: Yang Fan, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Beijing Normal University, China, Email:

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Description

Biomarkers, short for biological markers, are measurable indicators of a biological state, process, or condition. They are typically found in blood, tissues, or other bodily fluids and serve as critical tools in diagnosing, monitoring, and prognosticating various diseases, particularly in internal medicine. In this field, biomarkers play an integral role in improving clinical outcomes, facilitating personalized treatment, and guiding therapeutic decision-making. Biomarkers can be classified into several categories based on their roles in disease detection these biomarkers help in identifying the presence of a disease. They can be used to confirm a diagnosis and distinguish between different diseases. For example, cardiac biomarkers such as troponins are used to diagnose myocardial infarction (heart attack), while is used for prostate cancer detection. These biomarkers provide information about the likely course or outcome of a disease. They are often used to predict how a disease will progress, which can help in stratifying patients by risk. For instance, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and B-Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) levels are important in predicting outcomes in patients with heart failure. These biomarkers offer insight into how a patient is likely to respond to a specific treatment. This category is critical in personalized or precision medicine, where treatments are tailored to the individual based on genetic and molecular profiles. Overexpression in breast cancer, for example, predicts a positive response to targeted therapy with trastuzumab (Herceptin). These biomarkers help in assessing the pharmacological effect of a treatment. They can indicate whether a therapeutic intervention is having the desired effect on the biological target. Blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, for example, are used to monitor the efficacy of insulin therapy. These biomarkers are used for continuous monitoring of disease status and therapeutic response over time. Regular monitoring can help adjust treatments and prevent disease exacerbation. For instance, HbA1c is used to monitor long-term blood glucose control in diabetic patients, while creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) are commonly used to assess kidney function. Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Biomarkers play a central role in diagnosing and managing these conditions. Troponins, Btype Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), and high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (CRP) are widely used in diagnosing Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) and predicting outcomes. In heart failure, biomarkers such as BNP and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide help in staging the disease and monitoring response to treatment. Cancer biomarkers are essential for early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment efficacy. CA-125 is used to monitor ovarian cancer, while (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) is often elevated in colorectal and other cancers. EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) are predictive biomarkers for targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Conclusion

Biomarkers are a cornerstone of modern internal medicine. They enhance the ability to diagnose, monitor, and personalize treatment for a wide array of diseases. As research continues to identify new biomarkers and refine existing ones, the role of these molecular indicators in clinical practice will expand, offering improved precision in patient care. The ultimate goal is to provide tailored, evidence-based treatments that lead to better clinical outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and overall healthcare efficiency.