The Integration of Genetics into Medicine: Potential Benefits for Patients
Summary
In this article, we discuss the potential benefits of integrating genetics into medicine. We interview a physician who conducted a study that showed patients cope well with genetic information and can take action to improve their health based on their genetic susceptibility. However, the current healthcare system faces challenges in implementing genetic testing due to lobbying for limited access to genetic data. We also highlight the potential benefits of tailoring drugs to people’s genomes and mention specific examples such as Tegretol and Plavix.
Table of Contents
- The Potential of Genetics in Medicine
- Challenges in Implementing Genetic Testing
- Tailoring Drugs to People’s Genomes
- Nanosensors and the Use of Sensors in Medicine
The Potential of Genetics in Medicine
We interview a physician who was among the first to recognize the potential of genetics in medicine beyond traditional deterministic conditions. The physician conducted a study that showed patients cope well with genetic information and can take action to improve their health based on their genetic susceptibility. The study found that patients who received genetic information were more likely to make positive lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or increasing physical activity. The physician also highlights the importance of pharmacogenomics and how genetic testing can help identify which drugs will work best for an individual.
Challenges in Implementing Genetic Testing
The current healthcare system faces challenges in implementing genetic testing due to lobbying for limited access to genetic data. The American Medical Association has been lobbying for limited access to genetic data, which has slowed the implementation of genetic testing in healthcare. However, the speaker mentions initiatives at Scripps to introduce this information into everyday medical care, such as the Hlavix study and interferon screening.
Tailoring Drugs to People’s Genomes
The FDA has a list of drugs that have specific genetic interactions, and tailoring drugs to people’s genomes can have potential benefits. The speaker mentions specific examples such as Tegretol and Plavix, which can have potentially fatal side effects if not properly screened for genetic compatibility. The physician’s work on the drug Plavix, which has a specific genetic interaction, is also mentioned.
Nanosensors and the Use of Sensors in Medicine
Scripps Digital Medicine is working on a nanosensor that can be injected into the bloodstream to monitor genomic signatures and detect heart attacks before they occur. The sensor is about 90 microns and lodges in a finger, continuously powered by the blood itself and able to communicate with a smartphone. Animal testing is being done before human trials can begin. The potential applications of this technology include monitoring free circulating DNA for cancer patients and predicting immune attacks by tracking antibodies in the immune system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the integration of genetics into medicine has the potential to bring significant benefits to patients. However, challenges in implementing genetic testing and limited access to genetic data continue to slow progress in this area. Tailoring drugs to people’s genomes and the use of sensors in medicine, such as nanosensors, are promising areas of research that could have significant impacts on patient health.
