Precision Medicine: The New Medical Procedure

Why should we all undergo the same medical treatments when we all respond differently to them?

Precision medicine goes beyond traditional methods and involves tailoring treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile, environment, and lifestyle. This innovative approach aims to deliver the right treatment to the right patient at the right time. Going about treatments this way will save cost and time, in comparison to the usual trial-and-error. 

For instance, QIAGEN has been leading this healthcare revolution. They conduct specialised testing to identify patients with specific genetic markers or biomarkers, a process known as companion diagnostics.

Key Areas QIAGEN has been effective —

1. Reacting instead of Preventing

It uses molecular markers that signal diseases before symptoms appear. For example, if women have certain BRCA1 gene variations, the likelihood of them having breast cancer goes up to 85%. The genetic tests can guide preventive measures. 

2. No more trial and error

As previously stated, these tests allow doctors to choose the optimal treatments on their first try. For example, Oncotype DX® can assess whether women with specific types of breast cancer are likely to benefit from chemotherapy.

3. Patient Compliance

Patients are more likely to comply with treatments that are customised to their needs and are proven to be more effective. In one study, patients’ adherence to treatments increased to 86% from 38% before testing.

4. Reveals additional or alternative use of medicine

A medicine that generally doesn’t greatly affect everyone may show greater benefits when used to limited genetically defined patients.