Genomic medicine is a branch of health care that focuses on carefully studying information from all of a person’s genes (“the genome”) or DNA to make changes to improve that person’s health. Specialists like genetic counselors and medical geneticists help individuals understand and benefit from genomic medicine. The amount of valuable information that the genome can offer is steadily growing.
Genomics is used in medicine in many ways. Some examples include:
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Cancer or Heart Disease — understanding how some genes increase the risks for certain forms of cancer or heart disease, such as colon cancer or heart rhythm problems
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Rare Disease — understanding how some genes cause or increase the risk for rare diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy
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Testing Technologies — using advances in genomic knowledge to improve DNA testing techniques and technologies, such as DNA sequencing
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Medical Treatments — using advances in genomic knowledge to develop new disease treatments that are specific to a person’s genome
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Medicine Selection and Response (Pharmacogenomics) — using information about a person’s genome to choose, avoid or dose certain medicines
There is still a lot we do not understand about the genome. Knowing the limitations of genomic medicine is important to remember when trying to navigate it. Genomic medicine specialists at Genome Medical, such as genetic counselors, always discuss the benefits and limitations of genomic medicine as part of a genetic counseling consultation.