In today’s biotechnology landscape, genomic medicine stands as one of the fastest-emerging medical disciplines. Defined by the National Human Genome Research Institute as a medical discipline involving the use of individual genomic information to influence decision-making during the treatment process, genomic medicine has already had a considerable impact on fields such as oncology, infectious disease, pharmacology, and rare and undiagnosed diseases.
Recent research into the application of genomic medicine includes a 2014 study published in Science Translational Medicine, in which researchers explored the use of cell-free DNA as a biomarker for cancers. Led by Dr. Chetan Bettegowda at The Johns Hopkins University, the research team was able to detect circulating tumor DNA in more than 75 percent of patients with major cancer types. Also in 2014, researchers at Stanford University began developing a non-invasive DNA-based test to anticipate rejection of a transplanted heart.
In terms of clinical research, the FDA has already cleared or approved numerous genetic tests as well as a number of nucleic acid-based tests for human pathogens. Medical researchers have also developed therapies for a number of common genetic diseases. One such drug, known as ivacaftor, targets one of the specific genetic mutations that gives rise to cystic fibrosis.
Recent research into the application of genomic medicine includes a 2014 study published in Science Translational Medicine, in which researchers explored the use of cell-free DNA as a biomarker for cancers. Led by Dr. Chetan Bettegowda at The Johns Hopkins University, the research team was able to detect circulating tumor DNA in more than 75 percent of patients with major cancer types. Also in 2014, researchers at Stanford University began developing a non-invasive DNA-based test to anticipate rejection of a transplanted heart.
In terms of clinical research, the FDA has already cleared or approved numerous genetic tests as well as a number of nucleic acid-based tests for human pathogens. Medical researchers have also developed therapies for a number of common genetic diseases. One such drug, known as ivacaftor, targets one of the specific genetic mutations that gives rise to cystic fibrosis.
