3 Questions. 3 Hints. 3 Answers.
1. What seemingly greedy tactics by some for-profit labs are hurting a valuable scientific undertaking?
Hint:
Answer: many doctors wouldn’t think twice about participating in a pharmacogenomics study to ensure their patients are taking the right medication, dose or experience fewer side effects. Pharmacogenomics, which involves assessment of an individual’s DNA and its relationship and response to certain drugs, is a booming industry. However, without adequate standards and oversight, it is one that can get out of control. One company currently being investigated for out of control practices is Renaissance RX. Looking to grow fast and furious, Renaissance is alleged to have encouraged physicians to conduct genetic testing on thousands of patients, regardless of eligibility, and engaged in improper billing practices in connection with those patients. The problem, aside from financial greed and lack of uniform participation and payment standards, is one of fast growth in an area where gatekeepers are scrambling to catch up and impose safeguards. Personalized genetic medicine has bestowed many benefits — patients and science have prospered. However, when fraud and shady tactics taint the industry, progress for all is halted. Read more here.
2. What do a QTip and a couple million dollars have in common?
Hint:
Answer: the federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) provides, among other things, that employers are not allowed to collect employees’ genetic information. In the first ever GINA case to go to trial, two men, whose genetic information was unlawfully collected, were awarded $2.2 million in damages. The moral of the story: watch who you swab. Read the details here.
3. From winning Jeopardy! to treating cancer, is there anything this guy can’t do?
Hint:
Answer: among other projects, IBM is training Watson to be an AI cancer specialist. Watson has a great advantage over humans: being able to expertly sift through vast amounts of medical data, including genetic information, in seconds. It is hoped that using and perfecting Watson in this area will enable doctors and patients from all over the world to have access to the “best” treatment specialist — with little wait time for results. Will Watson and similar AI eventually replace human doctors? It’s possible say some but others believe Watson & Co., are simply tools that enhance the physician and his or her skills. Read the details here.