Reshaping healthcare with precision

Discover how precision medicine is reshaping Indian healthcare sector, from tailored cancer treatments to future possibilities.

- DR SEWANTI LIMAYE

Precision medicine, the practice of personalizing healthcare based on individual characteristics, P is transforming the medical landscape. In India, precision medicine is on the rise, particularly in oncology. Genetic testing, indigenous genomic databases, AI, and telemedicine are driving innovations, expanding access, and shaping a promising future.

Components of precision medicine This discipline encompasses a range of diagnostics and treatment options that aim to tailor medical care to individual patients based on their unique characteristics, including their genetic makeup, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences. Let's examine these in detail.

1. Genetic testing

Precision medicine often involves genetic testing to identify specific genetic variations or mutations that may influence disease risk, prognosis, or treatment response. This includes:

Companion diagnostics: These are tests that help identify patients who are most likely to benefit from a particular treatment or therapy. Companion diagnostics are developed and approved alongside specific drugs to ensure their appropriate use.

Pharmacogenomics: This field focuses on how an individual's genetic variations affect their response to medications. By identifying genetic markers, pharmacogenomic testing can help guide drug selection, dosage adjustment, and minimize adverse drug reactions.

2. Targeted and immuno-therapies 

Precision medicine seeks to develop therapies that target specific molecular or genetic characteristics of a disease. These treatments are designed to be more effective and have fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies. Examples include: