Statistical tests for one-way/two-way translation in translational medicine.

Translational medicine has been defined as bench-to-bedside research, where a basic laboratory discovery becomes applicable to the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a specific disease, and is brought forth by either a physician/scientist who works at the interface between the research laboratory and patient care, or by a team of basic and clinical science investigators. Statistics plays an important role in translational medicine to ensure that the translational process is accurate and reliable, with statistical assurance. For this purpose, statistical criteria for assessment of one-way and two-way translation are proposed. Under a well established and validated translational model, statistical tests for one-way and two-way translation are discussed. Some discussion on lost in translation is also given.