How Precision Medicine Helps in Treatment and Prevention of Diseases

Precision medicine. Science behind the solution

Precision medicine is described as the treatment model that involves customization of healthcare prescriptions based on the individual patient’s characteristics. The diagnosis can be based on attributes like anatomical, biochemical, genetics and physiological among others which allows changes to be made as patient’s characteristics does. Compared to the conventional medicine, this is better because it recognizes the presence of variations among patients hence varying diagnosis is personalized for each patient to enhance optimal effectiveness (Hamburg, p303). This therapy is based on the analysis of individual patient’s genome through sequencing and molecular profiling of the DNA. Complex computational machine learning algorithms are performed in the real-time processing of genomic information and generation of the precise medical diagnostics appropriate for that patient through artificial intelligence paradigm. It allows evaluation of the inter-personal differences of patients at the molecular level based on DNA, RNA or proteins through proteomics analysis. The respective fluorescent biomarkers of disease causation and potential precision medicine to be administered to the specific patient are identified prior to diagnosis thus allowing application of targeted treatment towards that patient (Ashley, p2120) This aspect of pharmacogenomics is advantageous since has allowed medical professionals to gain more information about the individual patient’s disease and provide tailored prescription of drugs. It increases the accuracy of disease treatment as a more specific diagnostic approach is applied as compared to the conventional treatment where cancer drugs are administered to every cancer patient.

Based on the results from DNA sequencing or high throughput screening analysis for the patient, drugs that are complementary to the patient’s genome with maximum effect against the disease pathogens are developed targeting that specific disease-causing agent. Also, the use of “magic bullets” has been adopted as a way of offering precise medication for patients (Schwartz, p1080). In this case, the disease-causing antigens are identified through immunological assays to identify the specific antigen properties in the patient. Based on these, particular antibodies are made for targeting this particular class of antigens in the body and binding to their active sites thus incapacitating their disease manifestation abilities. Furthermore, precision nutrition uses a similar approach of providing precise medical therapy depending on the patient’s needs. It involves a specified diet integrated into the health value chain aiming to prevent metabolic disease(s) associated with the patient through customization of the nutritional requirements, decisions, practices, and products that should be consumed. In this approach, diagnostic testing of the patient is performed to identify the ideal and optimum nutritional requirements based on the individual’s characteristics (Mesko, p240). Some examples of precision nutrition are a selection of specified anti-inflammatory food; precise selection of omega-3 fatty acids administered to patients with low index levels of omega-3, specified selection of supplements for immune system stimulation and specified recommendation for micro and macro elements.