Authors
Kavitha Ravia
a Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram.
Abstract
Introduction: Precision medicine, also known as personalized or genomic medicine, represents a significant shift in healthcare, focusing on tailoring disease treatment and prevention to individual variations in genes, environment, and lifestyle. This approach aims to deliver “the right treatment for the right patient at the right time,” moving away from the traditional “one-size-fits-all” model by integrating diverse ‘omics’ data with clinical and lifestyle factors.
Applications: This personalized medical approach has broad applications. In oncology, precision medicine identifies genetic alterations to guide targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Pharmacogenomics utilizes genetic variations to predict drug response, optimizing dosing and minimizing side effects. It also enables precise diagnosis and personalized treatment for rare genetic disorders and holds promise in preventive medicine for early disease detection and risk management.
Challenges and Limitations: Despite its potential, precision medicine faces significant challenges. Ethical considerations, including data privacy, informed consent, and equitable access to advanced technologies, are paramount. High costs of genomic sequencing and personalized therapies present accessibility barriers. Robust validation and regulatory frameworks are crucial to ensure clinical utility and safety. Furthermore, comprehensive education for healthcare providers and public sensitization are essential for effective implementation and patient participation in decision-making.
Conclusion: Precision medicine offers an innovative pathway to transform healthcare by providing patient-specific care, potentially enhancing outcomes and optimizing resource utilization. Addressing the technical, ethical, and logistical hurdles through multi-level interventions and leveraging advancements in genomics will be vital to fully realize its revolutionary potential in patient-centred care.