Gene analysis set to improve treatment

CLINICIANS will soon be able to offer more Welsh patients a targeted form of treatment by analysing their genes, it has been revealed.

A £6.8m strategy has been launched by the Welsh Government to ensure the country is able to offer treatment plans revolutionised by better understanding of human DNA.

It is hoped patients will receive a quicker diagnosis and more personalised treatments by harnessing the new cutting-edge “gene testing” genomics technologies in the Welsh NHS.

The strategy also sets out plans to apply the latest techniques for improved disease prediction and gain a better understanding of disease outbreaks.

In addition, it will develop research in genetics and genomics, grow knowledge and skills among the NHS and non-NHS workforce and build strategic partnerships in genomics for precision medicine.

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: “New genetic and genomic technologies are allowing us to develop a much more detailed understanding of the link between our genes and our health.

“The strategy has the potential to revolutionise medicine and public health; it moves us towards a new era of precision medicine.

“It will enable patients across Wales to access new technology and shorten their ‘diagnostic odyssey’.”