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Precision Medicine in Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction
Brian E Lacy1, Hasan Saleh2, David J Cangemi1
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida.
Abstract:
Overarching goals for the practice of medicine include preventing disease, making the correct diagnosis, and initiating evidence-based therapy to improve patient symptoms and quality of life. Precision medicine is an emerging field that encompasses these important goals. Precision medicine can be defined as a form of medicine that uses information about a patient's genes, proteins, environment, and lifestyle to prevent, diagnose, or treat disease. Oncologists have effectively used precision medicine for years to improve diagnostic strategies and treatment options; however, precision medicine has not been used to any significant degree in patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs). There is an argument to use precision medicine in DGBIs because these disorders are highly prevalent, affecting approximately 40% of the world's population. Functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic constipation, some of the most prevalent and important DGBIs, are also clinically significant because they impose a negative impact on the health care system and greatly reduce patients' quality of life. This article defines precision medicine, clarifies differences between precision medicine and personalized medicine, discusses the use of precision medicine in the field of DGBIs, reviews its limitations, and outlines a strategy for its use in this field.
Insights
Precision medicine, which tailors treatments using patient-specific data, offers potential for disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs). This approach can improve diagnosis and therapy for prevalent DGBIs like IBS.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Genetics
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Precision medicine leverages individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle data for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
- While established in oncology, precision medicine's application in disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) remains limited.
- DGBIs affect 40% of the global population, including conditions like functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, significantly impacting quality of life and healthcare systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define precision medicine and differentiate it from personalized medicine.
- To explore the potential application of precision medicine in managing DGBIs.
- To outline a strategy for implementing precision medicine in DGBIs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review defining precision medicine and its contrast with personalized medicine.
- Discussion of current and potential uses of precision medicine in DGBIs.
- Analysis of limitations and proposal of a strategic framework for precision medicine in DGBIs.
Main Results:
- Precision medicine utilizes comprehensive patient data for tailored medical strategies.
- Significant potential exists for precision medicine to enhance diagnosis and treatment of prevalent DGBIs.
- Current implementation in DGBIs is minimal, necessitating strategic development.
Conclusions:
- Precision medicine offers a promising avenue for advancing the care of DGBIs.
- Overcoming limitations and developing strategic implementation are crucial for realizing precision medicine's benefits in DGBIs.
- Further research and clinical integration are needed to harness precision medicine for improved DGBI patient outcomes.
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