Genomics and Personalized Medicine
The field of genomics has caused considerable changes in healthcare and has brought about individualized medicine. We can define genomics as analyzing an individual genome or all of their genes simultaneously. This data is then applied in the field of pharmacogenomics, where patients are assigned unique treatments based on their needs rather than following a general regime.
As a result of genetic advances in genomics, practitioners can have a DNA code read with a view to potential future outcomes, including susceptibility to diseases, disease and drug reactions, and other aspects of the individual’s overall health. For instance, genetics has been beneficial in developing accurate diagnoses of genetic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The conditions can be identified early when doctors investigate genetic markers and provide intervention. This increases the efficacy rates of treatments because it eradicates guesswork in remissions.
The concept of an individualized approach based on genomics is also known as personalized medicine and is also transforming pharmacology. Pharmacogenomics is a genomics that examines how an individual patient responds to certain drugs. This makes it possible for physicians to provide the correct drug in the proper dosage that can give positive results with little side reactions.
Other than treatment, genomics is warming the area of preventative healthcare. Using genomic information, one can change specific behavior patterns to lessen potential harm in ways patients take preventive measures even if the symptoms are not yet manifest.
Nonetheless, challenges persist, including the ethical question of the privacy of genetic data and the issue of genomic healthcare equality. Yet, the future of personalized medicine is auspicious, changing the healthcare model into a much more specific and patient-oriented one. Genomics will continue to be the leading force in future, and new research will make the cure quicker, better and customized according to the inherent genetic structure of the individual.
WRITTEN BY: AMEDICC.COM
PHOTO CREDIT: GOOGLE.COM