Pharmacogenomics: Social, Ethical, and Clinical Dimensions
Edited by:
John Wiley & Sons, $59.95, 2003 ISBN 0-471-22769-2 | ISBN: 0-471-22769-2
Complete sequencing of the human genome and the fruits of related spin-off projects from the SNPMap, HapMap and Environmental Genome consortiums are expected to substantially improve our understanding of genetic contributions to disease and enhance the development and implementation of new and existing drug treatments. They may also improve our understanding of interindividual differences in drug response to the extent that drug therapy might be tailored to an individual's genome and the likelihood of an efficacious or toxic outcome. Genetic contributions to interindividual differences in drug response, termed pharmacogenetics or more broadly pharmacogenomics, was recognized decades ago, but it has only recently come to the attention of the lay public and the general health practitioner. As interest in the field of pharmacogenomics has grown along with new discoveries, concern regarding genetic testing and the access and use of derived information have come under more scrutiny. Although there are several textbooks and review articles detailing advances in pharmacogenomics, the recently released Pharmacogenomics: Social, Ethical, and Clinical Dimensions, edited by Mark A. Rothstein, is the first comprehensive review of potential benefits and unwanted harm that could arise from the implementation of pharmacogenomics into public health practice.
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