Introduction.

A biomarker can be defined as a molecular alteration present in the development of cancer pathogenesis which can be used for early diagnosis of the disease. The measurement of the biomarker can be carried out through various techniques such as biochemistry, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, in different types of samples such as tissue, peripheral blood, and urine. The ideal biomarker will be one that is valid and specific while is non-invasive, cheap, and easily detectable. The use of biomarkers for the early detection of cancer must follow an orderly and systematic development before introducing them into clinical practice.

Methods.

An exhaustive search was performed in PubMed and Embase databases, selecting the relevant articles according to the specific topic of interest.

Results.

Systematization of the development of biomarkers in five large phases is proposed, which has the characteristic of being ordered from the earliest evidence to the final phases of their study.

Conclusions.

The correct development of biomarkers makes possible the introduction of therapeutic interventions in the field of secondary prevention of cancer.

        · resumo em Espanhol     · texto em Espanhol     · Espanhol ( pdf )