Each person processes medication differently. This is why fever medication may work faster and better on you than on your friend. Pharmacogenetics is the study of how genes affect drug response. This information can be used to help personalize drug therapy and improve patient outcomes.
The field of pharmacogenetics was developed in the 1950s when researchers tried to uncover why patients suffered from drug-related adverse events. With testing, these people could now be prescribed appropriate drugs based on their individual DNA makeup rather than be given a one-size-fits-all approach.
Pharmacogenetics vs. Pharmacogenomics
While the words pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a slight distinction. Pharmacogenetics has more to do with how people react to medications while pharmacogenomics is a more general term for all genes in the genome that may affect how a drug works.
For instance, a lab may want to test the results of a particular medication. The lab may use pharmacogenetics to learn more about how that drug will work on a single gene. They may also perform a pharmacogenomics study to look at all the other genes that could affect the way the same drug works.
How Can Pharmacogenetics Help?
There are many reasons why pharmacogenetics is an important field of study. Here are some of them:
Improve drug response – Some drugs that work well for some people may have little or no effect on others. Therefore, it is helpful to learn how certain genetic markers can predict how well a medication will work for a given patient. This means that physicians can prescribe drug regimens that are more likely to produce positive results the first time.
Reduce adverse side effects – Knowing more about how certain genes affect drug responses can help doctors to avoid or minimize side effects associated with certain drugs. For example, a patient who tends to have serious side effects after taking certain medications may be prescribed a different medicine that is less likely to cause these complications.
Reduce treatment time – Genetic testing can also help reduce the length of treatment and recovery by revealing the most effective course of treatment for each patient’s specific condition. This not only improves patient treatment outcomes but also frees up space in medical facilities and saves costs for both patients and providers.
Identify new treatments – In some cases, existing treatments may not be effective for a particular type of patient. This is because some patients have abnormal responses to certain drugs that cannot be detected by standard laboratory tests. Through pharmacogenomics studies, researchers can create new medicines and treatment options that can help specific people.
Increase healthcare access – Pharmacogenomic testing can also be beneficial when it comes to providing equal access to healthcare for everyone. It can help identify patients who are more likely to benefit from certain treatments and drugs, and therefore reduce the cost associated with developing and administering ineffective treatments.
Who Needs a Pharmacogenetic Test?
Many types of people could benefit from a pharmacogenetic test. This includes:
People with cancer – Some cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and ovarian cancer can be associated with a genetic variation that makes a person more susceptible or less susceptible to certain types of treatment. Testing can help determine the best type of treatment and dose for each case.
People with rare conditions – These conditions can include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and hemophilia. Many of these conditions can be treated using drugs that have been developed to treat other conditions. However, these drugs can have significant side effects, so sensitivities need to be identified before use.
People who require chronic therapy – A pharmacogenetic test is useful for people who will be taking medication for a long time such as those with attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depression. Genetic testing can help them to find the optimal dose for their bodies and avoid unpleasant side effects.
People who take multiple medications – Adults and children who take several different medications may need to take different dosages or combinations of medications to control their symptoms. Using genetic testing to identify which drug is most effective for each individual can optimize treatment.
People with recent medical issues – Hospitalization or other medical issues can affect a person’s response to medications. Identifying any potential interactions between drugs and genes can help patients and medical practitioners avoid negative side effects and ensure the safe use of prescription medications.
People with suspected hereditary conditions – Often, medical conditions like breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, or heart disease may be associated with a specific genetic profile. By checking for the genes that make them susceptible, people can better seek advice to reduce the risk of disease development.
Conclusion
Pharmacogenetics is the study of how an individual’s genetics can affect the way he or she responds to certain drugs. It can be used to tailor drugs and treatment regimens to individuals based on genetic factors so that medication is more effective and patients experience fewer risks and side effects.
While this field of medicine is still relatively new, it holds tremendous potential to improve the way patients are treated now and in the future. If you think you may benefit from having a pharmacogenetic rest done, discuss it with your doctor or visit a genetics clinic to find out more.