Identifying biomarkers as diagnostic tools in kidney transplantation

Abstract

There is a critical need for biomarkers for early diagnosis, treatment response, and surrogate end point and outcome prediction in organ transplantation, leading to a tailored and individualized treatment. Genomic and proteomic platforms have provided multiple promising new biomarkers during the last few years. However, there is still no routine application of any of these markers in clinical transplantation. This article will discuss the existing gap between biomarker discovery and clinical application in the kidney transplant setting. Approaches to implementing biomarker monitoring into clinical practice will also be discussed.

Keywords::

• biomarkers
• immune monitoring
• kidney function
• kidney transplantation
• long-term outcomes
• short-term outcomes

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The research results included in this report were partially supported by a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) grant, R01DK080074. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.