Two individuals may take the same dose of a medication, but experience completely different outcomes. One may recover, while the other sees no benefit or even suffers severe side effects. These differences are often related to the individual's genes. The science of Pharmacogenomics predicts how a person will respond to specific medications based on genetic information.
How Do Genes Affect Treatment?
Some genes produce proteins that help the body process medications, while others influence how medications work. Variations in these genes can alter treatment effectiveness and the risk of side effects. For example, a study involving 500,000 participants in the UK found that 99.5% of these individuals would have an unusual reaction to at least one medication due to genetic variations in 14 known genes.
Financial and Social Impacts
Medication side effects constitute only a small part of medical issues, but they can impose significant costs on healthcare systems. According to a study at an NHS center in Liverpool, 16.5% of hospital admissions were due to medication-related complications. These complications could cost the NHS in England up to £2.21 billion annually.
The use of genetic testing in prescribing medications is on the rise. For example, the NHS in England regularly conducts genetic tests for five drug-gene pairs. This includes testing the DPYD gene for certain chemotherapy drugs, as some variations reduce the body's ability to metabolize these medications.
Ultimately, Pharmacogenomics can help more individuals by reducing errors in medication prescriptions. However, equitable access to these tests requires careful planning to ensure that those who need them most can obtain them.
