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July 15, 2010

Molecular Medicine: Can Physicians Keep Pace?


There’s a “genomic revolution” under way, argues Greg Lucier in a video from the last TedMed conference, and molecular medicine is going to create incredible advances in cancer treatment, regenerative medicine, and synthetic biology. Sequencing of entire human genomes is becoming much faster and less expensive; in the very near future patients may have this technology available for as little as $1000, with results available in a single day. While currently, only 1 in 5 chemotherapy agents are effective for any particular cancer patient, DNA sequencing can reveal the combination of therapeutic agents that works for a patient’s biology. Lucier also discusses nanomedical innovations like quantum dots, the nanoparticles developed to act as “flashbulbs” illuminating DNA sequencing.
However, there is more to the coming genomic revolution than just technological advances; Lucier believes the medical profession has far to go to keep pace. He calls for a new breed of “molecular doctors” who can read genome scans, interpret the results, and tailor treatment. There are also ethical issues involved in molecular medicine, such as privacy and containment, which cannot be ignored. Lucier discusses these and other healthcare issues in this October TedMed talk.

Ms. Graham is a writer and editor with a current focus on health and wellness. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Erin Monda
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