What is personalized medicine?

Personalized medicine refers to a medical approach that designs or tailors treatment plans according to the unique characteristics of each patient. This includes considering genetic information, environmental factors, and lifestyle to determine the most effective treatments and interventions. By focusing on the individual, personalized medicine aims to increase the effectiveness of treatments and reduce the risk of adverse reactions, as each patient can respond differently to various therapies based on their genetic makeup and other factors.

The concept contrasts with a one-size-fits-all approach, which does not take into account the variations among patients. Standard treatment protocols may work well for some individuals but may not be effective or safe for others, as they neglect personal differences. Additionally, the other options do not embody the principles of personalized medicine. Genetic modification in crops and new types of pharmacological drugs relate to biotechnology but are not focused on individual patient care. The essence of personalized medicine lies in its patient-centric philosophy, aiming for optimal treatment outcomes by catering to individual needs.