Precision Medicine

A personalized approach to healthcare that tailors medical treatment and interventions to the individual characteristics of each patient, including their genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment.

 

Genomics:

The study of an individual’s entire set of genes (genome) and how they interact to influence health and disease.

 

Genetic Testing:

The analysis of an individual’s DNA to identify genetic variations that may be associated with disease risk, treatment response, or other health-related factors.

 

Biomarker:

A measurable indicator, often a molecule or genetic alteration, that can be used to assess a biological process, disease presence, or treatment response.

 

Pharmacogenomics:

The study of how an individual’s genetic makeup influences their response to medications, helping to tailor drug selection and dosage for optimal efficacy and minimal side effects.

 

DNA Sequencing:

The process of determining the order of nucleotides in an individual’s DNA, providing detailed information about genetic variations.

 

Polygenic Risk Score:

A numerical representation of an individual’s genetic risk for a particular condition, calculated based on multiple genetic markers.

 

Targeted Therapy:

A form of treatment that specifically targets and interferes with the activity of genes, proteins, or other molecules involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.

Liquid Biopsy:

A non-invasive test that detects genetic alterations in circulating tumor DNA, often used in cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning.

 

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP):

A common genetic variation at a single nucleotide position in a DNA sequence, used as a marker for disease susceptibility or treatment response.

 

Epigenetics:

The study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence, often influenced by environmental factors.