Description: Personalized medicine is an innovative approach in the healthcare field that seeks to tailor medical care to the individual characteristics of each patient. This medical model is based on the premise that each person is unique, not only in terms of their genetics but also in their environment, lifestyle, and preferences. Personalized medicine uses genetic information, biomarkers, and clinical data to develop treatments and prevention strategies that are specific to each individual. This contrasts with the traditional ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, where treatments are uniformly applied to all patients. The main characteristics of personalized medicine include identifying individual risk factors, selecting therapies based on genetics, and continuously monitoring the patient’s health. This approach not only improves the effectiveness of treatments but also minimizes side effects and optimizes health outcomes. The relevance of personalized medicine lies in its potential to transform healthcare, making it more efficient and patient-centered, which can lead to better quality of life and reduced costs in the healthcare system in the long term.
History: The concept of personalized medicine began to take shape in the 1990s when advances in genomics and biotechnology allowed for a better understanding of genetic variability among individuals. An important milestone was the Human Genome Project, which was completed in 2003 and provided a detailed map of human genes. Since then, personalized medicine has rapidly evolved, driven by the development of technologies such as DNA sequencing and bioinformatics. In 2015, U.S. President Barack Obama launched the ‘Precision Medicine Initiative,’ which aimed to accelerate research and implementation of personalized medicine in healthcare.
Uses: Personalized medicine is used in various areas of healthcare, including oncology, cardiology, and rare diseases. In oncology, for example, it is employed to select specific treatments based on the genetic mutations of a patient’s tumor, allowing for more effective and less toxic therapies. In cardiology, genetic risks that predispose individuals to heart diseases can be identified, enabling personalized preventive interventions. Additionally, personalized medicine is applied in pharmacogenomics, which studies how genes affect a patient’s response to medications, helping to select the most appropriate drug and dosage.
Examples: An example of personalized medicine is the use of genetic testing to determine the most appropriate treatment for breast cancer patients. For instance, the Oncotype DX test evaluates the genetic activity of the tumor and helps decide whether chemotherapy is necessary. Another case is the use of medications like trastuzumab (Herceptin) in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, where therapy is based on the presence of a specific biomarker. In cardiology, the use of genetic risk testing for heart diseases allows doctors to recommend specific lifestyle changes or preventive treatments.
