Increasing the reproducibility of fluid biomarker studies in neurodegenerative studies

Biomarkers have revolutionized scientific research on neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s disease, transformed drug trial design, and are also increasingly improving patient management in clinical practice. A few key cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers have been robustly associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Several novel biomarkers are very promising, especially blood-based markers. However, many biomarker findings have had low reproducibility despite initial promising results. In this perspective, we identify possible sources for low reproducibility of studies on fluid biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease. We suggest guidelines for researchers and journal editors, with the aim to improve reproducibility of findings. Many fluid biomarker findings have had low reproducibility despite initially promising results. Here, the authors review possible sources for low reproducibility of studies on fluid biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases and suggest guidelines for the biomarker community to agree on and implement.