Application of metabolomics in clinical and laboratory gastrointestinal oncology

Figure 2 Schematic representation of the fluctuation of biomarker in the whole period of a disease. Disease susceptibility is usually defined by the individual’s genetic background. The susceptibility biomarker (Bms) can be detected by genetic analysis most possibly. The onset of the disease would be triggered by many environmental factors. At the very beginning (preclinical stage), some prediction Bms appears. When a disease progresses to the clinical stage (with clear symptoms) the diagnosis Bms could be detected. If the disease advances further, some complications and secondary hurts would emerge. These end events give birth to the opportunities to develop the relevant Bms. Metabolomics could be applied to the whole disease period. Besides, prognosis and treatment efficacy Bms could also be explored by metabolomic analysis.