Meeting the challenge of genetic advance

BMJ 1998;316:570-570 ( 21 February )

Editorials

Meeting the challenge of genetic advance

Requires rigorous navigation between laboratory, clinic, and society

See p 618

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Advances in molecular genetics over the past decade have been remarkable. Soon the entire human genome will have been sequencedand most of the genetic loci associated with human disease identified.These advances have greatly enhanced understanding of diseasemechanisms and begun to explain why the clinical course of commondisorders such as diabetes, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis isso variable, as Bell discusses in the first of four articles onthe broader implications of the new genetics (p 618).¹ In futurepresymptomatic population based genetic testing for common lateonset disorders such as Alzheimer's disease² and colon cancermay become widespread and bring important health benefits. Genotypingmay become part of routine investigations to help clinicians tailordrug treatment effectively.

But in what has been dubbed the "post-genome" era, increasing attention is now being paid to the limitations as well as thepotential of DNA based genetic tests. The . . . [Full text of this article]

CiteULike

Complore

Connotea

Del.icio.us Add to Digg

Digg

Technorati What's this?

Relevant Articles

More collaboration is needed about benefits of new genetic screening tests: Brendan O'Connor
BMJ 1998 317: 471. [Extract] [Full Text]

The new genetics: The new genetics in clinical practice: John Bell
BMJ 1998 316: 618-620. [Extract] [Full Text]

This article has been cited by other articles:

Beller, G. A. (2000). President's page: the human genome project: implications for cardiologists and their patients. J Am Coll Cardiol 36: 295-298 [Full text]
Emery, J., Walton, R., Murphy, M., Austoker, J., Yudkin, P., Chapman, C., Coulson, A., Glasspool, D., Fox, J. (2000). Computer support for interpreting family histories of breast and ovarian cancer in primary care: comparative study with simulated cases. BMJ 321: 28-32 [Abstract] [Full text]
Seamark, C. J, Hutchinson, M., Heath, I., McMullin, M F (2000). Controversy in primary care: Should asymptomatic haemochromatosis be treated? Treatment can be onerous for patient and doctor Commentary: False certainty of clinical guidance Commentary: Early treatment is essential. BMJ 320: 1314-1317 [Full text]
Fears, R., Roberts, D., Poste, G. (2000). Rational or rationed medicine? The promise of genetics for improved clinical practice. BMJ 320: 933-935 [Full text]
Lovestone, S. (1998). Genetics consortiums can offer views facilitating best practice in Alzheimer's disease. BMJ 317: 471-471 [Full text]
O'Connor, B. (1998). More collaboration is needed about benefits of new genetic screening tests. BMJ 317: 471a-471 [Full text]