Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

Preparation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Pellets and Plasma from a Single Blood Draw at Clinical Trial Sites for Biomarker Analysis
Published on: March 20, 2021
Biomarkers as molecular targets of drug interventions
Judith J Smith1, Barbara K Dunn
1Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. judiths@mail.nih.gov
Objectives:
To present an overview of biomarkers used in a multiplicity of roles, including as targets of therapeutic intervention for several organ sites.
Data Sources:
Journal articles and book chapters from medical and nursing literature, and internet resources.
Conclusion:
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.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
Nursing implications include a better understanding of the nature of biomarkers and the multiplicity of their applications, especially with regard to therapeutic targets.
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