surrogate end point

surrogate end point

A parameter or analyte measured to detect a pathologic condition when a more specific test either does not exist, is impractical or is not cost-effective. Cholesterol levels are “classic” surrogate markers of efficacy that are used in trials of statins which, by lowering serum cholesterol levels, are assumed to also reduce morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease (but which is not always the case).