Abstract

Biomarkers: Tools for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Personalized Medicine

Author(s): Mei-Ling Chen

Biomarkers are measurable biological indicators that play a crucial role in understanding normal physiological processes, pathogenic mechanisms, and responses to therapeutic interventions. With advances in molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics, biomarkers have become central to modern medicine, particularly in disease diagnosis, prognosis, drug development, and personalized treatment strategies. This article provides a comprehensive overview of biomarkers, highlighting their biological significance, clinical relevance, and evolving role in healthcare. Emphasis is placed on their application across various disease domains, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, neurological diseases, and infectious conditions. The challenges associated with biomarker discovery, validation, and clinical implementation are also discussed, underscoring the need for rigorous research and standardized approaches to fully harness their potential.