Pharmacogenomics combines the study of genomics with how individuals respond to medications. This approach helps healthcare professionals tailor treatments to each patient’s unique genetic makeup, improving the safety and effectiveness of their care.
By understanding a person’s genetic variations, pharmacogenomics allows healthcare professionals to predict how a patient might respond to a particular drug, which helps in selecting the most effective medication while minimizing the risk of side effects.
One of the key benefits of pharmacogenomics is its ability to prevent adverse drug reactions. Some people metabolise drugs too quickly or too slowly due to their genetic profile, leading to medications being either less effective or potentially harmful. For example, patients with certain variations in the DPYD gene may have severe side effects from standard chemotherapy treatments. With pharmacogenomic testing, doctors can adjust the dosage or prescribe alternative therapies, reducing the risk of harmful side effects.
Furthermore, pharmacogenomics is helping to shift cancer treatment from a one-size-fits-all approach to more personalised care. By sequencing a tumour’s DNA, doctors can identify specific genetic changes that influence how the cancer grows and responds to treatments. This allows for the selection of targeted therapies that are more likely to be effective for the individual patient’s cancer.
Overall, pharmacogenomics supports the delivery of personalised and precision care for patients, especially in areas like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health, where individual responses to treatments can vary.
As research advances, the role of pharmacogenomics in patient care will continue to expand, offering patients more personalized, effective, and safer treatment options.
NHS Pharmacogenomics and medicine optimisation Genomic Network of Excellence
Almost half of all UK adults are prescribed medicines, with over 1.1 billion items prescribed each year. Pharmacogenomics tailors treatments or medicines based on an individual's genetic makeup, supporting healthcare professionals to choose the most effective medication and dosage from the start. Pharmacogenomics can also reduce risk of adverse reactions, increase the effectiveness of treatment, and relieve symptoms faster.
This NHS Genomic Network of Excellence will develop the rollout of pharmacogenomics and medicines optimisation in the NHS, including furthering the rollout in primary care.
The North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance is the national lead for this network of excellence. To find out more, please click on the link below.