Genomic medicine

Recent developments in genomic science stemming from the sequencing of the human genome represent a unique opportunity for real advances in medical care and the Government and the NHS must take a range of steps to ensure that these advances are realised. The Government should produce a new White Paper with details on: how the Department of Health will facilitate the translation of advances in genomic science into clinical practice, including the operational changes needed to bring genetic testing into mainstream clinical practice; a roadmap for how such developments will be incorporated into the NHS; proposals for a programme of sustained long-term funding to support these measures. A range of genetic tests are already being used within the NHS to improve the diagnosis and treatment of a range of common illnesses, but there are barriers to the translation of new tests from invention through to use. The Committee looks specifically at the growing market for Direct to Consumer Tests (DCTs) and raises concerns about the effect of consumers receiving DCT results via the internet without proper medical advice to put those results in context. The Committee supports a voluntary code of practice for DCT providers. Ensuring NHS staff have adequate training in genomic medicine will be vital, and training in using and interpreting genetic tests should be an integral part of training for healthcare workers. The report recognises that there are privacy concerns about the retention and use of genetic data as well as apprehension about how the data may be used by, for example the insurance industry.