Frequently, individuals discontinue their medication either because they believe it is ineffective or due to an inability to endure its side effects. It is reasonable for patients to anticipate positive results from their medications and manageable side effects. Unfortunately, doctors often struggle to provide viable alternatives for patients dissatisfied with the limited improvements and unbearable side effects.
Pharmacogenomics (PGx) holds promise for improved treatment outcomes, enhanced patient adherence, and a more profound comprehension of the mechanisms behind the effectiveness of prescription drugs. Furthermore, it aids in understanding the reasons for drug failures. Widespread acceptance and application of PGx could stimulate future research, as existing data on patient outcomes already indicate notable improvements associated with PGx. Broader integration will contribute to a deeper understanding, creating additional opportunities to enhance patient care.
A study conducted in 2016 on nursing home patients who underwent pharmacogenomic testing suggested that such testing could lower the risk of falls among these patients. This analysis at the population level, utilizing publicly available data, compared nursing home residents who underwent PGx testing with those who did not. Patients who underwent testing reported a 5.4 percent reduction in moderate-to-severe pain compared to their counterparts who did not undergo testing. Additionally, PGx was associated with a decrease in falls resulting in major injuries. While the study focused on population-level correlations, the exact reason for the impact of PGx remains unclear. However, it is likely that improved data contributed to better treatment for common conditions and a reduction in adverse drug reactions, thereby decreasing the risk of falls and alleviating pain levels.
A Lancet article published in 2023 reported on findings from an open-label, multicentre, controlled, cluster-randomised crossover implementation study conducted in seven different European countries, involving 6944 patients. This study revealed that genotype-guided prescribing using a 12-gene pharmacogenomic panel significantly reduced the incidence of clinically relevant adverse drug reactions by 30 percent. The conclusion drawn was that this latest study demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of a pharmacogenomic panel strategy, providing evidence to support the large-scale implementation of panel-based pharmacogenomics testing to enhance the safety of drug therapy.