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A recent study could allow doctors to use the genetic profiles of patients to predict with great precision the appropriate treatment and prevention protocols, while also requiring greater inclusion of ethnic minorities. Sandra Soo-Jin Lee, an anthropologist and bioethicist, said that to improve medical care, researchers need more data on the individual differences that make each person unique.
"Without involving underrepresented communities in genetic studies, efforts to advance the science of precision can sum up persistent inequities in health care and limit and skew research. The early stages of precision medicine provide a critical window into which to intervene before research practices and their consequences are locked out, "Lee said in a study published in the Journal of Science.
Precision medicine relies on the collection of biological samples, electronic records and other sources of behavioral and environmental data, Lee said.
Diseases can be different in different ethnic groups. They may, for example, appear earlier, or progress faster or react differently to treatment.
The study will examine how these centers recruit participants and collect, measure and share data. It will also examine how they communicate the results of their research.
"We are looking to see if there are any unintended consequences that would limit the ability of researchers to achieve diversity recruitment goals, to address the social and biological causes of health disparities and to equitably distribute the benefits of precision medicine, "Lee said.
Lee warned that building a diverse genetic database could prove difficult. He also pointed out that, therefore, recruitment for diverse participation is not enough.
"An ethic of inclusion requires transparency and a culture of openness. Precision medicine studies should open up to multidisciplinary teams including social scientists, ethicists, and policy makers who can identify and implement practices that are respectful of history and culture. concerns of various populations, and to identify areas where reform is needed, "she said.
Posted on: July 6, 2019 10:55
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