This book has sat in my to-read stack for some time. I finally picked it up, and I’m glad I did. I love reading stories about the progress of medical research, the field I work in (specifically translational research). This book focuses on how medicine is evolving, especially zeroing in on in its business aspects as well as its international impacts. Even after the pandemic, precision medicine stands poised to provide more effective treatments in a less expensive way.
What is precision/personalized medicine? With extensive use of genetics, it tries to focus treatments on the specifics of a patient’s make-up. Thus, instead of blindly trying a series of medicines, the doctor and patient might be able to choose the right one on the first try due to genetic profiles. This is especially important in treating cancers, where the stakes are high (and funding is higher).
Pothier brings the reading public up-to-date with how this general vision is being implemented. She does so based on extensive research backed by personal travels. Though centered in the US, she writes highlights on other areas of the world, specifically Europe, Japan, Latin America, India, the Middle East, and China. These global players are as much movers and shakers in this research domain as American researchers. This field – often referred to synonymously as precision medicine or personalized medicine – has many moving parts with a large potential impact, and Pothier does well to condense this international movement into a short book.
To increase interest, she brings out individual stories that have been impacted by this medical approach. Her topics strike areas of current and prospective impact. She explains the underlying biology, but does not get bogged down in technical details. Her goal is to allow the reader to be conversant in the vocabulary of precision medicine rather than to become an in-depth subject matter expert. Copious citations are available for those interested in gaining such expertise.
Pothier’s prose is engaging, and the tone is interested. This book can be read by the general reader, though an interest in science and healthcare is a definite plus. She approaches the subject matter from the perspective of business and often highlights the major proprietary players in each area. Thus, those interested in making smart investments will especially benefit from this work. Overall, this book is an lively survey of the field of personalized medicine. Even though it’s five years old at my reading, this field’s trajectory continues for increased beneficial impact.
Personalizing Precision Medicine: A Global Voyage from Vision to Reality
By Kristin Ciriello Pothier
Copyright (c) 2017
Wiley
ISBN13 9781118792117
Page Count: 253
Genre: Medicine, Research
www.amazon.com