The Implications of Individualizing Medicine Through Genomics
Stanford University Program in Genomics, Ethics, and Society
The Implications of Individualizing Medicine Through Genomics
As we understand more about the medical implications of individual genetic variations and as sequencing genes becomes less expensive, medicine and public health will be transformed: It will become possible to use information about specific genetic variations to tailor personalized interventions. These genetic variations can be that of a pathogen, tumor, genetic disease, or healthy human tissue; the implications may be in prevention, treatment, or prognosis. The key point is that rapid technological advances will make large-scale genetic testing and screening programs possible, driving a change in medicine and public health based on targeting interventions to individuals' genetic variations.
In 1998, the Stanford Program in Genomics, Ethics, and Society (PGES) will explore ethical, legal, and social implications of individualizing medicine through genomics. After assessing the science and technology leading to individual genetic medicine, we will look at six sets of issues:
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Ethical issues in the conduct of the research that will lead to this transformation;
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Implications for public health agencies and health promotion / disease prevention programs;
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Effects on treatment decisions, particularly under managed care;
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Questions of intellectual property and the development of commercial products based on genetic variation;
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Increased privacy concerns; and
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Consequences for the use and understanding of the term "race" - in medicine and in society more broadly
Major Conference
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The PGES report on the ethical, legal, and social implications arising from health promotion, disease prevention, and disease treatment based on individual genetic information was unveiled for discussion at a major conference, Individual Genetic Variation: Implications of the Coming Transformation of Medicine . This conference was held at Stanford University on OCTOBER 17, 1998. Click here for additional details about the conference. |
Additional Resources
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Affymetrix, Inc. - makers of gene chip technology
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Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) - includes statements on The Principled Conduct of Genetics Research, and Patenting of DNA Sequences
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Office of Genetics and Disease Prevention - Centers for Disease Control
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