Translating pharmacogenomics into clinical decisions: do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good

Hum Genomics. 2019 Aug 27;13(1):39. doi: 10.1186/s40246-019-0229-z.

Abstract

The field of pharmacogenomics (PGx) is gradually shifting from the reactive testing of single genes toward the proactive testing of multiple genes to improve treatment outcomes, reduce adverse events, and decrease the burden of unnecessary costs for healthcare systems. Despite the progress in the field of pharmacogenomics, its implementation into routine care has been slow due to several barriers. However, in recent years, the number of studies on the implementation of PGx has increased, all providing a wealth of knowledge on different solutions for overcoming the obstacles that have been emphasized over the past years. This review focuses on some of the challenges faced by these initiatives, the solutions and different approaches for testing that they suggest, and the evidence that they provide regarding the benefits of preemptive PGx testing.

Keywords: Clinical decision support; Implementation of pharmacogenetics; PGx; Pharmacogenetics; Pharmacogenomics; Translation into the clinic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Decision-Making / methods*
  • Decision Support Systems, Clinical / trends
  • Delivery of Health Care / trends
  • Humans
  • Pharmacogenetics / trends*
  • Precision Medicine / trends*
  • Translational Research, Biomedical / trends
  • Treatment Outcome