Editorials
Putting genetics in perspective
Requires better understanding and more rational debate
| The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below. |
How will genetics affect society? Is it a science without clear application, or will it bring important health gains? Should we be hugely excited about its potential or worry about the ethical dilemmas it poses? Unquestionably views are polarised, 1 2 as this special issue of the BMJ reflects.
The impact on health and health care of the sequencing of the human genome has been well rehearsed.3 Our understanding and categorisation of disease will be enhanced. Drug therapy may become safer and more effective as treatments are tailored to take account of individual responses to drugs. Genetic tests will increasingly be used to predict the risk of disease and initiate preventive action. Drug development will become faster and more efficient.
Yet hidden among these simple statements lurks great complexity.
Extrapolating from single gene disorders such as Huntington's disease
to predict how genetics might affect future health care will mislead.
In this disorder
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