The trajectory of biomarkers in symptom management for older adults with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the trajectory of select biomarkers and their potential usefulness in symptom management in the older individual with cancer.


METHODS
Empirical data and literature review.


CONCLUSIONS
Biomarkers offer significant opportunities to understand the biological impact of cancer and its treatment on older adults whose response is likely different from their younger counterparts. Large well-designed multi-site clinical trials with adequate numbers and power are necessary to create evidenced-based practice changes.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses need to understand the science and implications of biomarkers to develop interventions in response to the mechanisms of symptoms experienced by older adults with cancer.
Payne
Judith K
JK
Duke University School of Nursing, DUMC, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Payne031@mcduke.edu
D000302:Adrenal Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000502:physiology; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000502:physiology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000502:physiology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005221:Fatigue / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000502:physiology; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000502:physiology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D008550:Melatonin / Q000502:physiology; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D009325:Nausea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000502:physiology; D014839:Vomiting / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology
D015415:Biomarkers; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D016207:Cytokines; D004967:Estrogens; D013739:Testosterone; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; D014364:Tryptophan; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D008550:Melatonin; D006854:Hydrocortisone