GÉRARD SIEST, EDITH SCHALLMEINER PHARMACOGENOMICS AND THERANOSTICS IN PRACTICE PHARMACOGENOMICS AND THERANOSTICS IN PRACTICE A summary of the Euromedlab-ESPT (The European Society of Pharmacogenomics and Theranostics) satellite symposium, May 2013

Genomic variation can lead to differential drug responses in individual patients, affecting drug absorption, metabolism, pharmacodynamics and excretion. Very often, polymorphisms in genes regulating these mechanisms are responsible for individual variability. The use of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has enhanced the ability to identify such genetic variation, highlighting specific subgroups of patients who may either obtain particular benefit from, or who may be at risk of serious side effects associated with particular treatments (1). Targeted therapy or adaptations of therapy to tailor doses and timings of treatment have therefore become important parameters for achieving personalized healthcare (PHC). The increased understanding of disease provided by pharmacogenetic research is now also being incorporated into the drug development process in order to optimize therapeutic benefits and minimize the risk of toxicity in the individual patient (2). Personalized healthcare represents a paradigm change in the management of patients, from a clinical definition of disease to a molecular definition of disease. The medical need for a more patient-tailored approach has resulted in a greater number of guided therapies focused on the patient. Theranostics, the association of a diagnostic test with a drug treatment, requires the expertise of the clinical chemist and clinical biochemist to use and interpret these tests. A satellite meeting, held by The European Society of Pharmacogenomics and Theranostics (ESPT) in conjunction with Euromedlab 2013 (Florence, May 24th, 2013) was held to support the continuing education of members of the clinical laboratory team who play in key role in ensuring the appropriate application of PHC. Opened by its President, Professor Gérard Siest, presentations were provided on current and future considerations for pharmacogenomics and theranostics in practice. This article provides an overview of the presentations at this meeting, the abstracts of which have also been published online (3).