Unless you’ve some missed it, most researchers will be aware that there are those amongst us who believe that we are nearing that holy grail of genetic research – the fabled ‘thousand-dollar’ genome. Current techniques mean that sequencing a single individual’s genome takes multiple days and can cost millions of dollars, but an affordable, streamlined process has been promised to be just around the corner for the last few years. It goes without saying that the ability to sequence the genomes of thousands of patients has significant implications for the medical profession, but is it an ambition we should be pursuing?Pros
• Prevention – Current medical practices focus primarily on the treatment of illnesses, but being able to forecast the likelihood of a patient contracting certain medical problems means that the onus can be switched to prevention instead.
• Preparation – Many crippling medical disorders take their victims completely by surprise. Being able to prepare for ill health in advance means that patients can be mentally, physically and financially ready for the onset of their illnesses.
• Research – By having the genome of thousands of patients on record, researchers will be able to determine whether there is a genetic propensity for certain diseases or illnesses, and if so, even work to eradicate them completely.
• Finances – The NHS currently spends millions of pounds every year on the treatment of diseases and illnesses that could sometimes otherwise be prevented. By determining the chances of an individual suffering from these in advance, healthcare institutions can save money on treatment by ensuring that these health complaints never occur.
What are the cons? Follow the jump to find out.
|
Share this article with your social network, just click below to share now!
|
|
|
