In individuals with a confirmed diagnosis, the presence of a predictive biomarker is used to identify individuals who are more likely to experience a favorable or unfavorable effect from a specific intervention or exposure than individuals where the biomarker is absent.  Predictive biomarkers may be used to refine criteria for disease classification.

Example

• Tumour estrogen receptor status in women with breast cancer, to identify those who will respond to endocrine therapy such as tamoxifen.