Genomics – the future of personalised healthcare

AS MEDICINE and diagnostics improve for cancers and rare diseases, scientists and doctors increasingly recognise that different patients respond differently to similar treatments. The days of one-size-fits-all medicine may be over, especially for serious and less common diseases. Each patient’s unique genetic makeup influences how they respond to treatments. Welcome to the world of genomics, where individual genes determine the diseases one might develop, and the tailored treatments required. Advanced DNA testing now provides detailed insights into your unique genetic profile, paving the way for more informed and personalised health decisions. Imagine a world where healthcare is tailored specifically to your genetic makeup. Carrying your genetic signature around could become as crucial as your blood test results.

Transformative power of genomics

Genomics involves studying the complete set of genes within any organism. By analysing one’s genetic blueprint, doctors can gain critical insights into health, including predispositions to certain diseases and the most effective ways to treat or prevent these conditions. This powerful tool is revolutionising healthcare, moving us away from a one-size-fits-all approach towards more accurate treatments and preventive measures designed uniquely for everyone, greatly improving patient outcomes.

Specifically, the benefits can be seen in:

Predictive power: A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that genetic testing can accurately identify and predict individuals at high risk for diseases such as breast cancer and certain rare conditions. This allows for early intervention and preventive measures that significantly improve long-term health outcomes.

Treatment of cancer and rare diseases: Dr Eric Topol, a prominent American genomics researcher, believes that genomic medicine is fundamentally changing how doctors treat cancer. “By targeting specific genetic mutations, we can develop therapies that are far more effective and have fewer side effects than traditional treatments,” he said. For example, the use of the drug Herceptin for breast cancer patients with the HER2 genetic mutation exemplifies how genomics can lead to more effective treatments tailored to an individual’s genetic profile. Similarly, rare diseases are often identified through genomic tests that indicate specific gene mutations, requiring customised treatments.

Reducing drug resistance and tailoring nutritional diets: Clinical drug testing has shown that adverse drug reactions can be reduced by 30 per cent in patients with specific genetic makeups, improving treatment efficacy. Furthermore, research from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that genetic variations significantly impact how individuals respond to different diets, emphasising the need for personalised nutritional advice to prevent diet-related diseases and enhance overall well-being.

Barriers to adoption

Despite its tremendous potential, genomics has not yet become a standard part of healthcare testing for most people, unlike blood tests or imaging. A recent survey by the National Institutes of Health revealed that 60 per cent of Americans have limited knowledge about genomics and its benefits, highlighting the need for increased education and outreach. Integrating genomics into standard healthcare practices also requires training for healthcare professionals. The American Medical Association advocates for enhanced genomics education in medical schools to prepare future healthcare providers. Additionally, the current high cost of genetic testing remains a significant barrier. According to a study in Health Affairs, reducing costs could increase widespread usage and testing. Subsidies and enhanced coverage could also substantially boost adoption. With widespread use, costs of testing is bound to fall.

For those in Singapore ready to embrace the future of personalised healthcare, genetic testing offers valuable insights into your genetic makeup that can guide health decisions. The test itself is painless and cost-effective, with results typically available within a day. It’s possible that genetic testing may become as routine as annual blood tests, with labs in Singapore, Malaysia and wider Asia offering these services. Whether you’re looking to enhance your diet, improve your fitness routine, or take preventive measures against hereditary conditions, genomics provides a path to more precise and effective health management. By exploring the potential of personalised genetic insights, you can take the first step towards a healthier, more informed life.

Girija Pande chairs Apex Avalon Consulting and Chain IQ Asia. He has served on the board of the National Healthcare Group Singapore and was previously president of Tata Consultancy Services in Asia-Pacific.

SEE ALSO

An outcomes-focused approach to tackling diseases

New Silkroutes explores working with Huawei on genomic medicine

Dr Rachna Kairon is the co-founder and managing director of the Synagene Group of Companies.