Read: 1254
Innovation in Personalized Medicine: Bridging the Gap for Underrepresented Populations
Eimear Kenny, an associate professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sin and director of the Center for Genomic Health, has revealed alarming findings about disparities in genetic testing accuracy across different racial groups. Kenny's research team discovered that tests for genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis are far more reliable when applied to children with European ancestry than those from diverse backgrounds.
A study published by researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, supported by Nature Genetics, has revealed a significant bias in genetic testing data avlability. The majority approximately 70 of existing genomic datasets are derived predominantly from individuals with European descent, which leaves other racial groups underrepresented. This lack of representation hinders the development of personalized medicine solutions that could greatly benefit these communities.
Kenny underscores how diagnostic tools have been designed to optimally function for people of European heritage, which can lead to inaccurate results when used on patients with diverse ancestry. She and her team developed a multiethnic tool specifically med at improving genomic testing efficacy in underrepresented populations. This highlights the necessity for researchers to consider various ethnic backgrounds when designing diagnostic equipment.
The Tuskegee Syphilis Study is cited as an illustrative example of ethical breaches that have deeply damaged public trust in medical research. These examples emphasize the significance of establishing mutual trust between researchers and diverse communities, which can be achieved through strategic community engagement and partnerships.
To bridge these gaps, Kenny suggests several steps:
Focus on Inclusivity: Researchers should prioritize studies benefiting underrepresented populations.
Diverse Workforce: Increasing diversity among research teams can help in better connecting scientists with the local communities they m to serve.
Involving Communities: Engaging with diverse groups directly through participatory processes enhances inclusivity and relevance of research outcomes.
Practical Partnership: Collaborating with diverse medical professionals who understand their patient populations' needs fosters trust and effective communication.
The city of New York, as represented by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sin, has taken the lead in this initiative by recruiting over 65 of participants from underrepresented communities for a recent clinical trial that mirrored the city's demographics. This demonstrates a proactive approach towards achieving diversity in biomedical research.
According to the Broad Institute, including diverse populations in genetic analyses has led to groundbreaking discoveries like uncovering previously unknown genes associated with higher rates of aggressive prostate cancer among Black mena finding that would have been unlikely without such inclusivity.
As we move forward, increasing representation in genomic databases and medical trials is essential for ensuring personalized medicine advances can be applied equitably across all racial groups. Kenny's research not only highlights the current disparities but also serves as a call to action for the scientific community to commit to inclusive practices that will benefit everyone.
Kelsey Landis, editor-in-chief of INSIGHT Into Diversity, has championed this cause through her work in the June 2019 issue, contributing to the growing awareness and commitment towards achieving equitable personalized healthcare solutions.
This article is reproduced from: https://www.insightintodiversity.com/personalized-medicine-is-the-future-of-healthcare-but-people-of-color-have-been-left-out-of-the-picture/
Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.812o.com/Women_of_both_sexes/Personalized_Medicine_Research_Diversity.html
Genetic Testing Disparity Across Racial Groups Bridging Personalized Medicine Gaps Inclusive Practices in Biomedical Research Diverse Workforce for Scientific Advancement Mutual Trust in Medical Studies Equity in Genomic Database Representation