Recent publication highlights the potential of biomarkers for osteoarthritis research
The Nordic Bioscience team in the APPROACH-IMI project recently published a paper in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, in which they have established a biomarker panel that is associated with all-cause total joint replacement (TJR). This study highlights the potential of biomarkers for selecting the right patient for the right kind of joint surgery.
The authors identified patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and looked at those who do and those who do not progress to TJR. Patient samples were analyzed for bone, cartilage, soft tissue, and inflammation markers. Next, Classification and Regression Tree (CART) statistical analysis was used to identify biomarker phenotypes associated with TJR.
Biomarkers can provide real value to patients, rheumatologists and healthcare providers. In terms of health economics, healthcare payers and insurance companies may be able to select the most-optimal treatment strategy for patients with moderate-to-severe OA. This may avoid unnecessary surgery for patients that will not need TJR, saving significant amounts of money for healthcare providers.
The publication, ‘Identification of serological biomarker profiles associated with total joint replacement in osteoarthritis patients,’ is available on the Osteoarthritis and Cartilage website, click here.
