Routine pharmacogenetic testing in clinical practice: dream or reality?
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 21, 2018
1GlaxoSmithKline, Pharmacogenetics, Research and Development, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA. iris.x.grossman@gsk.com
Abstract:
Pharmacogenetics (PGx) has become progressively popular in recent years, thanks to growing anticipation among scientists, healthcare providers and the general public for the incorporation of genetic tests into the diagnostic arsenal at the physician's disposal. Indeed, much research has been dedicated to elucidation of genetic determinants underlying interindividual variability in pharmacokinetic parameters, as well as drug safety and efficacy. However, few PGx applications have thus far been realized in healthcare management. This review uses examples from PGx research of psychiatric drugs to illustrate why the current published findings are inadequate and insufficient for utilization as routine clinical predictors of treatment safety, efficacy or dosing. I therefore suggest the necessary steps to demonstrate the validity, utility and cost-effectiveness of PGx. These recommendations include a whole range of aspects, starting from standardization of criteria and assessment of the technical quality of genotyping assays, up to design of prospective PGx studies, providing the basis for reimbursement programs to be recognized in routine clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics: Overview
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Metabolism: Overview
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants
Pharmacogenetics of Phase I Enzymes: Cytochrome P450 Isozymes

