BIOMARKER-BASED THERAPIES IN SCHIZOPHRENIA: PERSPECTIVES FOR PERSONALIZED TREATMENT

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a severe and heterogeneous mental disorder, whose traditional therapeutic approach is still largely based on a trial-and-error model. In this context, biomarker-based therapies emerge as a promising strategy for the development of personalized treatments, aligned with the principles of precision medicine. This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence published between 2021 and 2026 regarding the application of biomarkers in schizophrenia and their contributions to predicting therapeutic response and identifying new pharmacological targets. This is an integrative literature review, with a qualitative and descriptive-analytical approach, carried out using searches in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and ScienceDirect databases. Original articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials addressing genetic, inflammatory, molecular, multiomic, and neuroimaging biomarkers related to schizophrenia were included. The results showed that pharmacogenomic and multiomic biomarkers have significant potential in predicting response to antipsychotics, while peripheral inflammatory markers and specific genetic profiles show an association with therapeutic resistance. Neuroimaging biomarkers contribute to risk stratification and clinical monitoring, as well as assisting in the development of new drugs. The incorporation of artificial intelligence has expanded the predictive capacity of these markers, favoring more assertive clinical decisions. It is concluded that the integration of biomarkers into psychiatric practice can promote greater therapeutic efficacy, reduction of adverse effects, and improvement of functional outcomes. However, multicenter studies and clinical validation are necessary for the consolidation of personalized medicine in schizophrenia.