Precision Medicine: Frequently Asked Questions
What is precision medicine?
Precision medicine is an approach to health care that gives special consideration to a person’s individual
characteristics – including genetic profile, family history, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences – to
predict his or her risk for certain diseases, make the most accurate diagnosis in the event of illness, and develop
the most suitable treatment or prevention plan. For example, certain drugs may be more or less effective
depending on a person’s genetic makeup and other factors, and certain diagnoses may be more likely. Rather
than a “one-size-fits-all” approach, a customized care plan is developed for each individual person.
Is it the same as personalized medicine?
The term “personalized medicine” is sometimes used in a similar context as “precision medicine.” However,
there has been concern that the word “personalized” could be misinterpreted to imply that treatments and
preventions are being developed uniquely for each individual; in precision medicine, the focus is on identifying
which existing treatments and preventions are likely to be the most effective given the person’s genetic,
environmental, and lifestyle factors. UAB Medicine uses and prefers the term “precision medicine,” though some
still use the two terms interchangeably.
Why do I need precision medicine, and what are the benefits?
In some instances, precision medicine may provide a more accurate assessment of risk for certain diseases,
a more precise diagnosis, and a more effective treatment or prevention plan when compared to conventional
medicine.
What are some examples of diseases that can be diagnosed or treated with precision medicine?
Precision medicine may be used for some individuals to identify and treat certain types of cancer; movement
disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis; seizures and epilepsy; Alzheimer’s
disease; cardiovascular conditions; and rare, unidentified, or undiagnosed diseases, among others.
What is the difference between precision medicine and genetic testing?
Genetic testing is one of many medical tests that may be used in a precision medicine evaluation. The precision
medicine approach combines genetic testing with a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s risk factors to
optimize health or treat disease.
Is there a difference between genetic testing and genomic testing?
Genetic testing is used to study the DNA composition of individual genes, or in some cases, groups of several
genes associated with a particular medical disorder. Genetic testing has been available for some conditions
for several decades, though the technology is continually being refined and improved. With many conditions,
genetic testing can help establish a diagnosis, formulate a treatment plan, and follow a person’s response to
treatment.