title: Biomarkers as molecular targets of drug interventions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present an overview of biomarkers used in a multiplicity of roles, including as targets of therapeutic intervention for several organ sites.
  
  
  METHODS
  Journal articles and book chapters from medical and nursing literature, and internet resources.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A single molecular marker may function in a variety of roles (ie, markers of risk, diagnostics, prognostics, intermediate endpoints). In some instances the molecule can also function as a target of therapeutic intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nursing implications include a better understanding of the nature of biomarkers and the multiplicity of their applications, especially with regard to therapeutic targets.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. judiths@mail.nih.gov
authors.forename: Judith J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Barbara K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Dunn
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics*; D015197:Carcinogenicity Tests; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D005819:Genetic Markers