Genetic diagnostics promises paradigm shift towards personalized, proactive healthcare
Indian healthcare industry is of the view that emergence of genetic diagnostics will be a paradigm shift towards personalized medicine. Through the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the role of genetic diagnostics offers personalized insights and proactive solutions for disease management and prevention. The integration of genetics and pharmacology will transform drug development and prescription practices.
According to Dr Venkataswamy Eswarachari, lab director, MedGenome Labs, genetic diagnostics, the practice of analyzing an individual’s genetic makeup to identify disease risks and tailor treatment plans, stands at the forefront of innovation in healthcare. By identifying genetic variations that affect medication response, healthcare providers can optimize treatment plans, minimizing the trial-and-error approach and maximizing patient outcomes.
Advancements in DNA sequencing technologies enable comprehensive profiling of an individual’s genetic code, paving the way for precision medicine. By identifying unique genetic variations that influence disease susceptibility and treatment response, personalized treatment plans can be optimized for maximum efficacy and minimal side effects, he added.
There is early disease detection and prevention. Genetic markers associated with disease predisposition empower proactive healthcare strategies. Screening for genetic mutations allows for early detection and intervention, mitigating the impact of conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, said Dr Eswarachari.
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) offers expectant parents valuable insights into their baby’s health early in pregnancy. By analyzing fetal DNA in the mother’s blood, NIPT detects chromosomal abnormalities with minimal risk, enabling informed decision-making and proactive prenatal care.
Emerging gene-editing tools like CRISPR hold the potential to correct genetic defects at their root, offering hope for the treatment of hereditary conditions before birth. While ethical considerations remain, gene editing opens new possibilities for personalized healthcare and disease prevention, he noted.
Enhanced newborn screening programs identify a broader range of genetic disorders, allowing for early intervention and improved long-term health outcomes for affected infants. By detecting conditions such as metabolic disorders and congenital diseases, newborn screening facilitates proactive healthcare from the earliest stages of life.
The integration of genomics with other ‘omics’ technologies provides a holistic understanding of biological systems. By unraveling complex interactions and networks, integrative omics approaches enhance disease management and personalized treatment strategies, he said.
No doubt, the future of genetic diagnostics promises a paradigm shift towards personalized, proactive healthcare. From precision medicine to non-invasive testing, these advancements offer a brighter future for individuals and generations to come. As we accept the transformative potential of genetic diagnostics, we will be able to embark on a journey towards a healthier, more resilient society, said Dr Eswarachari.
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AuroBlog | Clinical Research Blog | Aurous HealthCare CRO, India 