|
Genomes and
Disease: Beware Mirages!
(October 8, 2004) -
To date some 30,000 different genes have been identified. And
since scientists cannot agree on how to define certain ailments
and symptoms, you have to be extremely cautious before believing
that in the near future everybody could have access to personalized
treatment, said Professor Thomas Hudson of McGill University and
the Centre d’innovation Génome Québec at the
session on Genetics and Common Diseases.
In the past 25 years, science has become interested
in DNA and diseases partly based on genetics: asthma, allergies,
cardiovascular ailments and cancer. Numerous projects such as
the HapTap international study have made it possible to
determine the genetic traits of various communities living in
Africa, China, and even Quebec, and also to identify the genes
that might be involved in common illnesses in certain parts of
the world. "But above all, don’t believe everything
the research institutions and organizations publish nor the promises
they make," the Professor emphasized, because in many
cases scientific discoveries are still far from having an acceptable
clinical application.
Reporters therefore have to be extremely skeptical
in disclosing that data. "Doctors and journalists have
to work together, because it’s very complex information.
When the reporter doesn’t have enough of a background in
science, and one of the media, a researcher or a university wants
news published fast, that’s often where the problems arise!,
he pointed out.
Denise Proulx
|
