Question

Routine DNA Screening Moves Into Primary Care- Npr

Summarize the implications of genetic information being used by primary care providers in potentially identifying diseases or risk of disease before it happens. What might be some of the benefits and downfalls of this type of medicine? How does this fit into the push towards "personalized medicine" in healthcare? Identify some ethical considerations that need to be made when dealing with genetic information of patients. Do you feel the general public are educated enough about what this genetic information holds for them, why or why not?

Answer 1

The sequencing of whole-genome or DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of an individual is called DNA typing or genome sequencing. It is also called DNA profiling or DNA finger printing. The presence of specific disease-causing mutations in a person’s individual indicates the chances of occurrence of disease in that individual.

The genome sequencing is helpful in understanding the disease strategies, which is would be helpful in designing newer drugs. The gene expression tests also helpful in determining the specific treatment suitable for the patient, i.e. the personalized medicine. Because the physicians can track the response of the person towards the treatment.

Personalized or individualized medicine is a strategic approach of providing customized health care with the medical treatments and related decisions tailored to a specific patient. This is possible by considering the genetic makeup of the individual and pharmacogenomics of the available drugs. Means, the patient’s response towards the treatment is predicted based on the genetic profile. So, gene tests and genomic sequencing has become more popular.

The health-care professionals should update their knowledge regarding genetic research, secure the patient’s genetic information confidentially, and must be professional while demonstrating compassion. They must not impose their personal views on the patients and the patient's need appropriate education and awareness regarding the safety and efficiency of personalized medicine.

Ethical issues:

Ethical issues related to DNA profiling are,

• Breaching the patent rights or ownership of the information
• Misuse of individual DNA collected from different populations
• Stigmatizing and bringing differentiation between the human populations based on cultural and religious aspects
• Discrimination in applying health policies for individuals with genetic defects
• Psychological burden about the diseases that may occur in the future, which may not actually occur (because environment also influence the gene expression)

Gene tests and genomic sequencing is become more popular due to the emergence of individualized or personalized medicine. However, discrimination based on the genetic profile can be possible and at present, it does exist. However, the recently emerged health care laws require the discrimination must be minimized by medical insurance companies and they should not consider the genetic analysis of an individual to when providing the health insurance coverage.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 is one such federal laws that protect individuals from genetic discrimination in employment and obtaining health insurance.

The general public is not educated enough about "personalized medicine and gene databases." One possible reason for this is, lack of awareness programmes as this way of medical approach is still in the budding stage." Also, the fear of discrimination based on the genetic data is also higher among people as it seems that it is "copying their own information."