As we look forward to medical breakthroughs of the future,
precision medicine becomes more of a reality in your medical care. Precision
medicine uses treatment and intervention based on a person’s genetic and
non-genetic (e.g. lifestyle, environment).
Unlike the present but ever changing protocols for wellness and disease
management that are used on everyone, precision medicine is individualized just
for you. It will be your own
prescription for staying well and treating your ailments.
The basis of precision medicine is genomics. Sequencing of your genome is done. This molecular process identifies normal and
abnormal genes. Genomic mutations are
studied and tested for different characteristics. The results of this testing allows for
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment based on your molecule makeup within your
genes that have been influenced by family history, lifestyle, and environment. DNA analysis of your genes in addition to a
thorough history and physical will help your doctor determine what you have and
what health risks may be present. This
information will then be used for further diagnosis and treatment. Prevention of conditions that you are prone
to develop may be less likely to develop if at all.
Precision medicine has become prevalent in drug treatment as
well as disease diagnosis. Clinical
pharmacogenetics makes use of patient’s genetic data as a guide for drug therapy. This information can then help your doctor
pick the right medication for you. Pharmacogenetic information for blood
thinners like coumadin and clopidogrel can be helpful in choosing which will
work best for you with least complications.
Neonatal (newborn) diabetes and mature onset diabetes of the young (MODY)
are rare causes of diabetes. The cause
of these types of diabetes is from an inherited mutation of one gene
(monogenic). Genetic testing can make the
correct diagnosis that would otherwise be missed or misdiagnosed. Some cancers have specific gene mutations that
can be detected and treated successfully based on this information. Drugs are made to target these and eradicate
the cancer.
Thousands of disease genes and genetic tests have been
discovered since the Human Genome Project of 2003. As costs go down and precision medicine
improves, personalized medicine will get more precise. Prevention instead of treatment will be more
likely. Genetic tests and treatments for
the individual will be precisely what the doctor orders for you. Best health!
