Industry Facts

5 examples of personalised medicine

Personalised medicine is a type of medical treatment customised for an individual patient. In this section, we explore how this has been applied across numerous therapeutic areas.
1.) Tumour marker testing can be used to diagnose and treat cancer, as well as to predict how aggressive the cancer is likely to be. Researchers at the University of Bristol have recently found mathematical models that helped them examine and compare new biomarkers and tests for brain tumours as they emerged. This means that an affordable and rapid test to detect a tumour could be on the horizon.
2.) Diabetes management apps have played an important role in self-management for patients in recent years. Individuals can now monitor their blood glucose and insulin levels from their smartphone, and some apps even allow the option to integrate with other devices, such as your insulin pump, or other diabetes management tools.
3.) Virtual therapy platforms, such as Sensa, help individuals in managing their mental health. Sensa is developed with assistance from experts and is heavily based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The app offers the user 27 questions, centred on their goals for therapy and what they hope to learn, which helps customise the individual’s experience.
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4.) Genome/DNA sequencing involves sequencing many human genomes to understand how genomic differences relate to different traits. This process helps tailor a person’s medications based on their genome, meaning that DNA sequencing plays a pivotal role in identifying what medications work best for each individual. Researchers are continuing to gain a greater understanding of how diseases work, in order to develop new treatments and make new diagnoses.
5.) Health supplements, such as Vitamin D tablets and fish oil pills, are another example of personalised medicine. Vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which encourages healthy immune function. It is also important for maintaining healthy bones, muscle function, and brain activity. It is important to consult with your doctor, if you are unsure about what supplements are best suited to your needs.
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