Biomarkers for prostate cancer

Abstract

In the last decade, revolutionary advancements in molecular profiling technologies resulted in new diagnostic algorithms. These advances have marked the beginning of a new era for modern medicine: precision medicine. Biomarkers are important tools in individualized medicine, to accurately predict the biological behaviour, and therapy response for well-stratified/homogeneous groups of patients. This chapter focuses on established biomarkers for prostate cancer and promising novel biomarkers: arranged by the diagnostic substrate used, that is, tissue markers, blood markers and urine markers. Many new biomarkers are ready for ‘prime time’, yet it needs carefully designed studies to test the exact clinical positioning. The STARD (STA ndards for R eporting of D iagnostic accuracy) statement and the REMARK guidelines (Reporting Recommendations for Tumor Marker Prognostic Studies) are two initiatives that are important steps forward in improving the quality of tumour marker studies.