Ready for Genomic Medicine? Perspectives of Health Care Decision Makers

Abstract

Remarkable progress has been made in establishing the field of genomic medicine during the past decade. A host of therapeutic and diagnostic tools—such as the use of molecular simulations to identify new drug pathways¹ and gene expression profiles to predict the course of breast cancer²—are moving from the laboratory to the marketplace. Amid the speculation about possible applications and effects of this new medical discipline, 2 major projections have emerged. One predicts that genomic medicine will disrupt many aspects of health care, making current models of its delivery obsolete. Recent reports by the UK National Health Service³ and the US National Human Genome Research Institute^4,5 reflect this view. The other is less radical, projecting an initial enhancement of current uses of DNA and genetic information, followed by a gradual diffusion of new genomic medical information and technologies throughout the health care system.^6-8