Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine

Pharmacogenomics:

Pharmacogenomics studies how genetic variations influence an individual’s response to medications. By understanding these variations, clinicians can:

1. Predict Drug Response: Determine which drugs are likely to be effective or cause side effects.
2. Optimize Dosage: Adjust drug dosages to suit a patient’s metabolism, guided by genetic markers.
3. Avoid Adverse Reactions: Identify patients at risk of severe side effects from specific drugs.

Key Short-Term Applications:

• Cancer Treatment: Using genetic markers to select targeted therapies, such as HER2 inhibitors for breast cancer.
• Psychiatry: Personalizing antidepressant or antipsychotic treatments based on genetic markers.
• Cardiology: Tailoring anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) using genetic testing for metabolism variations.

Personalized Medicine:

Personalized medicine goes beyond pharmacogenomics to customize healthcare based on an individual’s genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Key Aspects:

1. Genetic Profiling: Using whole-genome sequencing or specific gene panels to guide prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
2. Biomarker-Based Therapies: Developing treatments targeting specific biomarkers in diseases like cancer or autoimmune disorders.
3. Risk Prediction and Prevention: Identifying genetic predispositions to diseases and implementing preventive measures.