News & Specials–How our genes influence health

We are all different. Some of these differences are due to our genes. Our genes can influence whether we are prone to cardiovascular disease or cancer and how we tolerate certain medications. Genetic testing can provide clarity. 

The double-helix DNA is the carrier of our genetic information. The entirety of our heritable information is stored in our genome. It influences our appearance, such as eye and hair color or our body type. But that’s not all. It also influences our health. Certain gene variants or defects can trigger or contribute to diseases. Depending on a patient’s genetic predisposition, medications may be more or less effective. Similarly, medications may cause more or fewer side effects. Consequently, gene therapy is used not only in preventive medicine but also in pain management and anesthesia.

Our health is determined by our inherent differences in combination with our lifestyle and environment. By combining and analyzing information about our genetic makeup with other clinical and diagnostic information, patterns can be identified. These help to

• to determine our individual risk of developing diseases,
• Detecting diseases earlier,
• to determine the most effective measures for improving our health—whether through medication, lifestyle changes, or simple dietary adjustments.

The concept of personalized medicine is not new. Throughout the history of medicine, doctors have always worked to develop care tailored to individual health needs. Never before, however, has it been possible to predict how an individual’s body will respond to specific interventions or to determine who among us is at risk of developing a disease. Today, new possibilities are emerging as we bring together innovative approaches such as whole-genome sequencing, data and informatics, and wearable technology*. This convergence enables us to enter an era of truly personalized care.

Away from the scattergun approach

In addition to traditional medical approaches, genetic medicine focuses on a person’s individual genetic makeup and tailors medical treatment accordingly.

In diagnostics, genetic medicine offers the advantage of identifying disease risks before they manifest. Early preventive measures can thus help, in the best-case scenario, to avoid a disease or at least delay its onset. In treatment, genetic medicine offers the advantage that therapies and medications which, based on an individual’s genetic predisposition, are ineffective or cause significant side effects can be avoided from the outset and replaced with effective therapies.

Identifying the genetic causes of diseases

Genetic testing reveals genetic predispositions and differences.

For example, if several family members are affected by cancer at an early age, genetic testing may be advisable. This is particularly true when preventive measures are possible: for carriers of cancer-related BRCA1 and 2 mutations associated with breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer, such as frequent screening or other preventive measures. However, cystic fibrosis, various muscle and metabolic disorders, as well as cardiovascular diseases (including high blood pressure) can also have genetic causes.

Prof. Dr. med. Thomas D. Szucs,
Specialist in Preventive Medicine and Pharmaceutical Medicine,
Co-Director of Hirslanden Precise

Personalized medicine is about offering patients tailored diagnostics and therapy.

How does genetic counseling and testing work at Hirslanden Precise?

1. Initial consultation between the treating physician or Precise expert and the patient to discuss panel selection and explain rights. At the end of the consultation, the written informed consent form is signed and a blood sample is collected. Subsequently, an application for cost coverage can be submitted.
2. Genetic analysis, including evaluation in the Precise laboratory and preparation of a clinically oriented report.
3. Second consultation between the treating physician or Precise expert and the patient to discuss the findings, including how the results fit into the overall treatment process and a discussion of appropriate preventive measures and/or treatment options.

Klinik im Hof is committed to providing its clients with access to genetic medicine. A new service offering genetic counseling and testing is now available.

Would you like to learn more about genetic medicine?

Prof. Dr. med. Thomas D. Szucs will speak on the following evenings at Hof Weissbad:
Wednesday, May 4, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 9, 5:30 p.m.

In conjunction with the lectures, there is a package deal for the first genetic counseling session at the Klinik im Hof.
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Learn more about genetic medicine: www.hirslanden.ch/precise

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* Wearables are small, connected computer systems that you wear directly on your body. Common examples include fitness trackers that continuously monitor your workouts and specific body metrics. This also includes sports watches and smartwatches with fitness features. These small wristbands or watches, which you barely notice on your wrist, provide you with information on sleep quality, heart rate, distance covered during workouts, duration of exercise sessions, and calories burned.