Understanding the Future of Drug Therapy, Pharmacogenomics

Updated on February 19, 2015

Influencers in genetics and genomics team up for new STTI book

Managing debilitating conditions like cancer, asthma, or depression can be challenging for patients and health care professionals, but new research shows that the pain of these conditions can be minimized through individualized drug therapy. Recent developments in a new study called pharmacogenomics could help identify the best strategy for a more individualized drug plan for certain health problems. According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, pharmacogenomics combines the science of how drugs work — pharmacology — with the science of the human genome — genomics.

Four of the top leaders in genetics, genomics, and pharmaceutical research — Dale Halsey Lea, MPPH, RN, CGC, FAAN; Dennis J. Cheek, PhD, RN, FAHA; Daniel Brazeau, PhD; and Gayle Brazeau, PhD — have put their minds and research together to create an informational guide to the inner workings of pharmacogenomics and how it could help prevent many diseases and relieve side effects of current treatments.

Their new book Mastering Pharmacogenomics: A Handbook for Success, published by the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, provides both students and practitioners with an understanding of the basic principles of human genetics and genomics. Both academic and clinical professionals — specifically nurses — can apply this knowledge base to challenges in optimizing drug therapy and patient care.

“It will become increasingly difficult to practice contemporary health care without some fundamental knowledge in genetics and genomics,” Dr. Daniel Brazeau said. “Competent delivery of care will require a working knowledge of the human genome and pharmacogenomics in order to facilitate coordinated care with other health care professionals and patients.”

The book is available at www.nursingknowledge.org/sttibooks.

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