Use of Biomarkers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Clinical Implications
Ji-Yong Moon 1, Yu Ji Cho 2, Don D. Sin 3
1 Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation (James Hogg Research Centre), St. Paul's Hospital and the Institute for Heart and Lung Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada and Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; 2 Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation (James Hogg Research Centre), St. Paul's Hospital and the Institute for Heart and Lung Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada and Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, Korea; 3 Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation (James Hogg Research Centre), St. Paul's Hospital and the Institute for Heart and Lung Health, University of British Columbia and of Respiratory Medicine (Department of Medicine), University of British Columbia. Vancouver, BC, Canada
*Correspondence: Don D. Sin, Email not available
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by airflow limitation, which may be progressive and leads to considerable morbidity and mortality. Aside from lung function measurements, there are no biomarkers that are routinely used clinically in the care of patients with COPD. Biomarker is commonly defined as a “characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention”. Discovery and implementation of biomarkers may enhance the precision of COPD diagnosis, assessment of its risk and severity, response to therapy, and predict progression, enabling personalised health in COPD. In this review, we summarise recent advances in COPD biomarkers and discuss their clinical implications.
