Biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: confusing or useful?

Robert A Stockley Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Lung Function and Sleep Department, Birmingham, UK Abstract: The field of biomarker research has almost reached unmanageable proportions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The developments of new technology platforms have generate...

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Main Author: Stockley RA
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Dove Medical Press 2014-02-01
Series:International Journal of COPD
Online Access:http://www.dovepress.com/biomarkers-in-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-confusing-or-usefu-a15731
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author Stockley RA
author_facet Stockley RA
author_sort Stockley RA
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description Robert A Stockley Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Lung Function and Sleep Department, Birmingham, UK Abstract: The field of biomarker research has almost reached unmanageable proportions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The developments of new technology platforms have generated a huge information data base, both cross sectionally and increasingly, longitudinally. The knowledge emerging provides an enormous potential for understanding the disease pathophysiology, for developing markers specific for long-term outcomes, and for developing new therapeutic strategies. However, the excitement must be tempered with an understanding of the limitations of the data collection techniques, and of the variations in disease state, activity, impact, and progression. Nevertheless, the most crucial aspect in interpreting the current literature is the recognition of the relatively superficial characterization of what is a complex group of pathological processes with a common end point of airflow limitation. The current review explores some of these issues together with those areas where real progress appears to have been made, and provides caution on interpretation. Keyword: emphysema, inflammation, secretions, technology platforms
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spelling doaj.art-efbce727fc4e486eb78464cb694b2c082022-12-21T20:55:50ZengDove Medical PressInternational Journal of COPD1178-20052014-02-012014default16317715731Biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: confusing or useful?Stockley RARobert A Stockley Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Lung Function and Sleep Department, Birmingham, UK Abstract: The field of biomarker research has almost reached unmanageable proportions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The developments of new technology platforms have generated a huge information data base, both cross sectionally and increasingly, longitudinally. The knowledge emerging provides an enormous potential for understanding the disease pathophysiology, for developing markers specific for long-term outcomes, and for developing new therapeutic strategies. However, the excitement must be tempered with an understanding of the limitations of the data collection techniques, and of the variations in disease state, activity, impact, and progression. Nevertheless, the most crucial aspect in interpreting the current literature is the recognition of the relatively superficial characterization of what is a complex group of pathological processes with a common end point of airflow limitation. The current review explores some of these issues together with those areas where real progress appears to have been made, and provides caution on interpretation. Keyword: emphysema, inflammation, secretions, technology platformshttp://www.dovepress.com/biomarkers-in-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-confusing-or-usefu-a15731
spellingShingle Stockley RA
Biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: confusing or useful?
International Journal of COPD
title Biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: confusing or useful?
title_full Biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: confusing or useful?
title_fullStr Biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: confusing or useful?
title_full_unstemmed Biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: confusing or useful?
title_short Biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: confusing or useful?
title_sort biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease confusing or useful
url http://www.dovepress.com/biomarkers-in-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-confusing-or-usefu-a15731
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