The Future Of Tailored Healthcare
The future of medicine is personalised. No longer will we treat diseases — we will treat patients, with therapies designed specifically for their unique biology.
– Dr. Francis Collins, Former Director of the National Institutes of Health
By Akshata Shailendra Singh
Personalised medicine represents a transformative approach in healthcare, tailoring medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient. By considering factors such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle, this strategy aims to optimise therapeutic efficacy and minimise adverse effects. Unlike the traditional “one-size-fits-all” model, personalised medicine acknowledges the unique biological makeup of each person, leading to more precise interventions. The foundation of personalised medicine lies in advancements in genomics and molecular biology.
The completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, which mapped over three billion base pairs of human DNA, was a pivotal moment. This monumental achievement, which took nearly 13 years and cost over $3 billion, has since paved the way for rapid developments in genomic sequencing. Today, sequencing an entire human genome can be accomplished in mere hours at a cost of less than $1,000. This drastic reduction in time and expense has made genomic data more accessible, facilitating its integration into clinical practice. One of the most promising applications of personalised medicine is in oncology.
Traditional cancer treatments often involve standardised protocols, but not all patients respond similarly. Personalised approaches, such as neoantigen vaccines, are being developed to target unique mutations present in an individual’s tumour. These vaccines are designed based on the specific genetic alterations of a patient’s cancer, enabling the immune system to recognise and combat malignant cells more effectively. While still under research, such strategies hold the potential to revolutionise cancer therapy by improving outcomes and reducing side effects.
Beyond cancer, personalised medicine has applications in various fields. For instance, pharmacogenomics studies how genes affect a person’s response to drugs. This knowledge allows for the customisation of medication types and dosages to align with an individual’s genetic profile, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing the risk of adverse reactions. An example is the anticoagulant drug warfarin, where genetic testing can guide dosage decisions to prevent complications like major bleeding. The importance of personalised medicine extends to disease prevention and early detection.
Genetic screening can identify individuals at heightened risk for certain conditions, enabling proactive monitoring and preventive measures. For example, detecting mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can inform decisions about increased surveillance or preventive interventions for breast and ovarian cancers. Looking ahead, the future of personalised medicine is both promising and complex. As of 2024, over 300 million people worldwide are affected by rare genetic diseases. Genomic sequencing offers a powerful diagnostic tool for these conditions, about 80% of which have a genetic basis.
Rapid genomic sequencing can provide diagnoses in a matter of hours, particularly benefiting newborns and children in intensive care with suspected genetic disorders. However, several challenges must be addressed to fully realise the potential of personalised medicine. Ensuring diverse representation in genetic research is crucial, as current datasets are predominantly derived from populations of European ancestry. This lack of diversity can limit the applicability of findings across different ethnic groups. Additionally, integrating vast amounts of genomic data into healthcare systems necessitates robust infrastructure and raises concerns about data privacy and security.
Global initiatives are underway to tackle these challenges. Organisations like the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health are working to establish standards and policies that promote the responsible and secure use of genomic data for human health. National efforts, such as the establishment of Genomics Australia in 2025, aim to drive excellence in genomics research and facilitate its clinical implementation, ensuring equitable access to genomic medicine. In conclusion, personalised medicine is poised to significantly transform healthcare by providing tailored interventions based on individual patient profiles.
While substantial progress has been made, ongoing efforts to overcome challenges related to diversity, data integration, and ethical considerations are essential. As these hurdles are addressed, personalised medicine will likely become a cornerstone of modern healthcare, offering more effective and precise treatments for a wide range of diseases.
