Genes, Disease and Difference

Scientists are discovering that subtle differences in our genes can affect the way we respond to drugs. Using genetic information to tailor disease prevention and treatment based on people's race and ethnicity is all part of the science of "genomics." On KQED-FM's Health Dialogues, Esteban González Burchard, MD, MPH, assistant professor of medicine and biopharmaceutical sciences at UCSF, says this new field of personalized medicine-tailoring medical treatment to a person's genetic makeup-is promising, but contextual factors that influence the risk of disease and drug response are important to consider. "Race is one factor, but clinical decisions are never based on one factor," said Burchard. Kathleen Giacomini, PhD, chair of the Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences at UCSF, and chair of the NIH Pharmacogenetics Research Network, also was a guest on the program. Related Links: Genes, Disease and Difference Health Dialogues, KQED-FM, December 21, 2006