International Pathology Day: Celebrating Pathology’s Role in Personalized Medicine through Pharmacogenomics
This year International Pathology Day is on 6 November 24. It is an annual celebration honouring the vital role of pathology in healthcare. Pathologists and related medical professionals are integral to diagnosing diseases, monitoring treatment, and improving patient care. This year, International Pathology Day shines a light on pharmacogenomics—an emerging field that unites genetics and pharmacology to guide more precise, personalized medical treatments.
Our GPs/doctors at Ocean Medical – Bondi Medical Centre on Bondi Road highlight the role of pharmacogenomics and the future it promises for patient-centred, personalized healthcare. Through understanding individual genetic profiles, pharmacogenomics allows us to tailor medications to each person’s needs, enhancing outcomes and reducing side effects.
The Role of Pharmacogenomics in Pathology
Pharmacogenomics studies how genes affect the way individuals respond to medications. Variations in genetic makeup can make the same medication highly effective for one patient and less so for another. By integrating pharmacogenomics into pathology, we can improve the precision of treatments, moving away from a “one-size-fits-all” model and toward an approach that maximizes benefits and minimizes risks.
Pharmacogenomic Pathology Tests Used in Australia
In Australia, pharmacogenomic testing has already begun to influence how we treat certain conditions, allowing us to refine treatments based on genetic insights. Here are some examples:
CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 Testing: These tests analyse enzymes that metabolize many commonly prescribed drugs, including antidepressants and pain relievers. By identifying how a patient’s enzymes work, doctors can adjust dosages or select alternative treatments, making medication regimens safer and more effective.
TPMT (Thiopurine Methyltransferase) Testing: Often used for patients prescribed thiopurine medications (for conditions like leukemia and autoimmune disorders), this test helps identify those at risk for adverse reactions, allowing for dose adjustments or alternative treatments to reduce side effects.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing: Commonly associated with breast and ovarian cancer, these genetic tests inform treatment options and can alert family members to their own cancer risks.
With these examples, it’s clear that pharmacogenomics has enormous potential to transform how we prescribe medications, offering patients safer, more individualized options.
The Health Benefits of Early Diagnosis with Pharmacogenomics
Early diagnosis using pharmacogenomic screening offers several health benefits:
Optimized Treatment Plans: By understanding how each patient’s body processes medications, doctors can prescribe the right drug at the correct dose, reducing the risk of side effects and achieving better outcomes faster.
Lower Healthcare Costs: Effective treatments from the outset mean fewer hospital visits and a reduced need for expensive alternative treatments, which translates to lower overall healthcare costs.
Enhanced Disease Prevention: Pharmacogenomics can help identify genetic predispositions, allowing healthcare providers to implement preventive measures and potentially reduce the risk of disease.
Our Bondi doctors at Bondi Medical Centre can help arrange pharmacogenomic testing where required. It may be indicated in situations where:
- The medication is not working as well as expected
- You experience unwelcome side effects from your medications
- Or you are considering new medications where pharmacogenetic testing may be useful
Our Bondi Road Medical Centre doctors & GPs can refer you to pathology providers such as Clinical labs, DHM or Genomic Diagnostics. Please check their websites for more information about the service provided and genes available for testing to evaluate treatments best suited to your unique genetic profile. This personalized approach can promote better health, particularly for patients managing chronic or complex health conditions.
How our Bondi GPs & Bondi doctors at Ocean Medical Practice Can Help with Pharmacogenetic Testing and Preventive Pathology Tests
In addition to referring for pharmacogenetic testing at NATA accredited pathology labs, our Bondi Road doctors & GPs can also arrange other preventative health screening tests to diagnose and prevent illnesses. By assessing patient needs, risk factors, and family medical history, our Bondi doctors can recommend screening tests that are appropriate and beneficial. Here are a few common examples of pathology tests available through our Bondi Medical Centre on Bondi Road:
Cholesterol and Lipid Profiles: These screenings assess heart health and detect conditions like high cholesterol, enabling early intervention to reduce heart disease risk.
Blood Glucose and HbA1c Testing: Used to monitor and diagnose diabetes, these tests help patients understand and manage their blood sugar levels effectively.
Liver and Kidney Function Tests: Essential for patients on certain long-term medications, these tests allow doctors to monitor organ health and adjust treatments as needed.
Our Bondi Medical Centre on Bondi Road is located in the heart of Bondi, 10 to 15 minutes walk from Bondi Beach, Tamarama and Bondi Junction.
Celebrating Pathology and Pharmacogenomics on International Pathology Day
International Pathology Day is a celebration of the advancements in pathology, including pharmacogenomics, that are helping us create a future of personalized and preventive medicine. Whether through identifying genetic risk factors or tailoring treatments, pharmacogenomics empowers patients with informed choices about their health.
As we honour this field’s contributions, our Bondi GPs at Ocean Medical Practice – Bondi Medical Centre are here to discuss how pharmacogenomic insights and early diagnostic screening can support your health journey. By partnering with our Bondi doctors, you can access the benefits of cutting-edge pathology for a healthier, more personalized approach to your well-being.
Contact us today to learn more about how pharmacogenomic testing and early screening can play a vital role in safeguarding your health. With International Pathology Day as a reminder of pathology’s essential contributions, let’s continue building a foundation for better, more individualized healthcare together.
