Biomarker combination is necessary for the assessment of Gaucher disease?

Abstract

Biomarkers are useful tools to help in disease diagnosis and follow-up. According to the US Food & Drug Administration, biomarkers are defined as measurable elements that can be used as indicators in normal biological and pathological processes, or in response to an exposure or therapeutic interventions. Molecular, histologic, radiographic or physiological characteristics are some of those biomarkers (www.fda.gov). The term biomarker is currently being applied to molecular markers that define a specific biological status (1). Considering these factors, the “ideal” biomarker should fulfill susceptibility/risk, be reliable, and can be used for diagnosis, monitoring, prognosis, prediction and pharmacodynamic response.