When I use a word . . . . Too much healthcare—Biomarkers

Abstract

The term “biomarker” is surprisingly new. The earliest instance is from 1973, when it was used to indicate the presence of material of biological origin.1 It continues to be used in this way in the geological and ecological literature. The earliest clinical use dates from 1977, in a paper on tumour biomarkers used in managing gynaecological malignancies.2 However, earlier references to such terms as “biochemical markers” (1949)3 and “biological markers” (1957)4 show that the concept has a longer pedigree.