What is the Origin of Genotype-Guided Therapy?

This practice is a direct outgrowth of pharmacogenomics, which studies the role of the genome in drug response. The term combines "genotype," referring to the specific genetic makeup of an organism, with "guided therapy," emphasizing the directional role of this information in clinical treatment. Its application has become increasingly feasible with advancements in high-throughput genetic sequencing.

What is the Mechanism of Genotype-Guided Therapy?

The mechanism relies on identifying genetic variants, often single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in genes that encode drug-metabolizing enzymes or drug targets like receptors. For instance, a patient's genotype for a specific enzyme may indicate a slow metabolism, leading the clinician to prescribe a lower drug dose to prevent accumulation and toxicity. This genetic insight allows for precise pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic optimization.

Genotype-Guided Therapy ∞ Area

Genotype-Guided Therapy

Meaning

Genotype-guided therapy is a personalized medicine approach that uses an individual’s specific genetic profile, or genotype, to inform and tailor therapeutic decisions, particularly drug selection and dosage. This strategy moves beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all model by anticipating how a patient will metabolize or respond to a medication based on genetic polymorphisms. Implementing this guidance enhances treatment efficacy and significantly minimizes the risk of adverse drug reactions. It represents a paradigm shift toward precision health.