Summary
Tailoring treatment to a patient's genetic profile, for example in pharmacogenomics.
In depth
Uses genomic, proteomic and lifestyle data. Examples: HER2 testing for trastuzumab, BRAF testing for vemurafenib, CYP2C19 for clopidogrel. Challenges: cost, data privacy and equity.
Combines genetics with clinical data to predict risk, select therapy and dose. Polygenic risk scores add predictions for common diseases. Limited ancestry diversity in data causes inequities.
Example: companion diagnostics identify patients likely to benefit from a targeted drug.
Frequently asked questions
What is Personalised Medicine?
Tailoring treatment to a patient's genetic profile, for example in pharmacogenomics.
Which area of biology covers Personalised Medicine, and how advanced is it?
Personalised Medicine is one of the 56 topics in Biotechnology & Genomics. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Gene Therapy, Liquid Biopsy, Biobanking and Data Privacy.
Can you give an example of Personalised Medicine?
Tumour sequencing matches patients to targeted therapies.
What should I learn before Personalised Medicine?
Work through the Beginner topics in Biotechnology & Genomics first, such as Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Selective Breeding, then return to Personalised Medicine. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Personalised Medicine?
The closest topics to Personalised Medicine are Gene Therapy, Liquid Biopsy, Biobanking and Data Privacy, Bioethics. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Personalised Medicine?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Personalised Medicine. To practise the whole of Biotechnology & Genomics, use the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz.
How is Personalised Medicine different from Gene Therapy?
Personalised Medicine: Tailoring treatment to a patient's genetic profile, for example in pharmacogenomics. Gene Therapy: Treating disease by introducing, repairing or replacing faulty genes in a patient's cells. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Personalised Medicine step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Gene Therapy and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.