Mult Scler. 2014 Feb 20. [Epub ahead of print]
Biomarker time out.
Author information
- 1Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL, ION, The Wolfson Center for Neurodegeneration, London, UK.
Abstract
The
advancement of knowledge relies on scientific investigations. The
timing between asking a question and data collection defines if a study
is prospective or retrospective. Prospective studies look forward from a
point in time, are less prone to bias and are considered superior to
retrospective studies.This conceptual framework conflicts with the
nature of biomarker research. New candidate biomarkers are discovered in
a retrospective manner. There are neither resources nor time for
prospective testing in all cases. Relevant sources for bias are not
covered. Ethical
questions arise through the time penalty of an overly dogmatic
concept.The timing of sample collection can be separated from testing
biomarkers. Therefore the moment of formulating a hypothesis may be
after sample collection was completed. A conceptual framework permissive
to asking research questions without the obligation to bow to the human
concept of calendar time would simplify biomarker research, but will
require new safeguards against bias.
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