International Journal of Clinical Case Reports 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 107-116 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijccr 107 Review and Progress Open Access From Genomic Data to Personalized Medical Decisions: Challenges and Opportunities JieZhang Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: jessi.j.zhang@foxmail.com International Journal of Clinical Case Reports 2024, Vol.14, No.2 doi: 10.5376/ijccr.2024.14.0013 Received: 12 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 16 May, 2024 Published: 28 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhang J., 2024, From genomic data to personalized medical decisions: challenges and opportunities, International Journal of Clinical Case Reports, 14(2): 107-116 (doi: 10.5376/ijccr.2024.14.0013) Abstract With the rapid development of genomics and the increasing popularity of personalized medicine, genomic data is gradually becoming an indispensable part of medical decision-making. This study delves into the application of genomic data in personalized medical decisions, analyzing the challenges and opportunities in current practice. It outlines the important role and current status of genomics in medicine and discusses the challenges related to privacy, technical interpretation, cost-effectiveness, and ethics encountered in applying genomic data to personalized medicine. Additionally, it explores opportunities arising from technological advancements, policy support, educational improvement, and international collaboration. Through comprehensive analysis, this study aims to provide detailed guidance and reference for the application of genomic data in personalized medicine. Keywords Genomic data; Personalized medicine; Challenges and opportunities; Privacy and ethics; Interdisciplinary collaboration In the 21st century, genomics and personalized medicine have emerged as two significant trends leading the future of healthcare. Genomics, the comprehensive study of all genetic material in an organism (Jordan, 1999), not only unveils the fundamental blueprint of life but also enables the understanding of genetic variations among individuals. The successful completion of the Human Genome Project (International human genome sequencing consortium, 2001) and the rapid advancements in sequencing technologies have made genomic data acquisition more accessible and cost-effective than ever, laying the technological groundwork for personalized medicine (Collins, 1999). Personalized medicine, also known as precision medicine, refers to the medical practice of customizing treatment and prevention plans based on an individual's genetic information, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits (Delpierre and Lefèvre, 2023). The underlying philosophy is that genetic differences influence each person's susceptibility to diseases and response to drugs. Thus, personalized medical approaches can enhance treatment efficiency and safety, avoiding the one-size-fits-all treatment methods (Alyass, 2015). The widespread application of genomic data is revolutionizing traditional medical decision-making processes. Whereas clinical decisions were traditionally reliant on population-level statistical data, doctors can now use individual genomic information to formulate more precise treatment plans. For example, in cancer treatment, analyzing the genomic characteristics of tumors can help select the most effective targeted drugs. Similarly, in managing cardiovascular diseases, genomic data can assist in predicting an individual's drug responsiveness, thereby optimizing drug selection and dosage (Tommel et al., 2023). Despite the promising prospects of genomic data in personalized medicine, this field faces several challenges. Data privacy and security are major concerns due to the sensitivity and complexity of genetic information, which require high standards of confidentiality and security. Interpreting genetic data demands extensive expertise, and interpretations may vary across different individuals and populations. Additionally, the cost of personalized medicine remains a significant issue, especially in resource-limited settings (Chong, 2018). Moreover, legal, ethical, and societal acceptance are also critical factors to consider in advancing personalized medicine.
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