Review of biomarkers for SLE

A recent review explores the historical background and new developments in the search for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) biomarkers."Despite decades of extensive work in the understanding of the etiopathogenesis of SLE, few biomarkers have been validated and widely accepted for this disease," comments Dr Joseph Ahearn and colleagues. The reviewers add that the lack of reliable, specific biomarkers for SLE not only hampers the assessment of disease activity and timely identification of patients at risk for flares and organ damage, but also impedes accurate evaluation of responses to treatment.Given these limitations Dr Ahearn's' team note that the Food and Drug Administration and the US National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases have recently convened strategic meetings and established a Lupus Biomarker Working Group to aid identification and validation of potential markers.The reviewers continue by outlining the definition and potential use of biomarkers in SLE, identifying that the following criteria must be met, "it must be biologically and pathophysiologically relevant; it must be simple for routine practice; and it must accurately and sensitively respond to changes in disease activity."When considering the classification of potential lupus biomarkers Ahearn's' group consider markers relating to disease susceptibility, diagnosis, activity and specific organ involvement.The authors summarise that the greatest challenge in identifying and developing specific biomarkers for SLE is the complex etiopathogenesis and clinical heterogeneity of SLE, "moreover, owing to the multifactorial nature of SLE, no single biomarker will emerge as 'the lupus biomarker'." Reference...