Genomics, on the other hand, involves the study of all of the genes that comprise the human genome – more than 22,000. Genomic testing includes genome sequencing( evaluation) as well as other technologies, such as sequencing the RNA copies of all of the genes that are expressed in a specific type of cell. Genomic testing can reveal diagnostic findings in people for whom a diagnosis had been previously unsolved and also can identify genetic changes that are driving disease – causing cancer cells to behave abnormally, for example. For these and other reasons, genomic testing sometimes can lead to new treatment approaches.
If my genes are tested, how often will they need to be retested? Generally speaking, genes do not change over the course of a lifetime, so subsequent genetic testing usually is not necessary. However, as the science behind genomic medicine continues to evolve, a more precise analysis of the original test results may yield helpful new information. Also, cancer cells do continually evolve as the cancer progresses, so repeated testing may be needed for individuals with cancer.
Are there specific physicians who practice precision medicine? The precision medicine approach applies to all areas of medical care, and, over time, it is expected to be integrated throughout UAB Medicine. There are, however, health providers who take a global view of an individual’ s risk of disease and potential interventions, as well as their predicted response to specific medications. These providers include medical geneticists and genetic counselors, along with laboratory geneticists, pathologists, and radiologists who provide state-of-the-art diagnostic testing.
What is a genetic counselor? Genetic counselors are health professionals with specialized graduate degrees and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling. They review family histories, medical records, and genetic testing results and advise patients and / or their families about the risk of an inherited disorder, the nature and consequences of the disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting it, and the options available to them with regard to prevention, management, and family planning.
Is this part of the federal Precision Medicine Initiative? During Pres. Barack Obama’ s January 2015 State of the Union address, he announced a Precision Medicine Initiative to encourage advances in research, technology, funding, and policies that promote precision medicine. The federal Precision Medicine Initiative includes research programs managed by the National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies. UAB’ s precision medicine program is not directly connected to this federal effort, though UAB is involved in research and other activities funded by the Precision Medicine Initiative, such as the All of Us Research Program.
Is there a precision medicine clinic, and where is it located? UAB’ s Precision Medicine program is not located in a single office. Depending on a person’ s medical status and circumstances, individuals may be evaluated, tested, counseled, and treated by a number of physicians and other medical professionals at a variety of locations within the UAB Medicine system. UAB’ s dedicated Genomic Medicine Clinic can provide a global overview for a person’ s risk of certain diseases based on genomic testing.