The concept of\nPersonalized Medicine is defined by genetics, using the customisation of\nmedical treatment based on an individual\u2019s genetic profile. Over time,\nPersonalized Medicine evolved to include other variables unique to an\nindividual, such as environment and lifestyle. Personalized Medicine flips the\nscript on conventional medicine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Traditional medicine\nis based on identifying therapies that target entire populations. However,\nPersonalized Medicine is tailoring treatment according to the unique molecular\nor genetic mapping of an individual patient and understanding how these unique\nfeatures contribute to the occurrence of certain disease patterns and\nprogression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s review\na few examples of how Personalized Medicine is applied in healthcare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following\nmajor biological insights and medical advances, personalized medicine is fast\nbecoming a common approach in cancer treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All cancers\nhave a genetic base. Today, with the availability of a genomic or molecular\ndiagnosis, we can better understand the genetic base of cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This genetic\ninformation can help select the most effective treatment, greatly improving the\nchances of survival. This approach is used in a wide range of cancers such as\nmelanoma, leukaemia, colon, brain and breast cancers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This genetic\nunderstanding means that healthcare providers can stratify cancer patients\naccording to what will be most effective for their condition. It may also mean\nthat patients with different types of cancer may, on the basis of the genomic\ndiagnosis, receive similar treatments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pharmacology\n<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Pharmacogenomics\nis the use of genetic testing to guide drug treatment. An example is the\ntreatment of HIV using the drug abacavir. Genetic testing allows for the safe\nuse of abacavir through the identification of the minority of patients who face\nserious adverse reactions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, individuals who have a histocompatibility gene variant, HLA-B*5701, have a 50 percent chance of experiencing a hypersensitive reaction, which can be life-threatening. Standard practice now calls for genetic testing prior to the use of this drug, with the use of an alternative drug if the test is positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n