Direct to consumer genetic testing and personalized medicine: An industry perspective

Genetics is now a part of virtually every specialty in medicine and is receiving increased attention from the media. Despite the interest in genetics, consumers face important barriers to accessing genetic services such as a shortage of genetic counselors and clinical geneticists. The DTC movement emerged and has increased access to genetic tests. With this increased access comes increased responsibility to provide appropriate patient education and support through genetic counseling and technology-based services. There are different levels of services among DTC companies and different types of tests offered. Some exciting new tests in personalized medicine are KRAS, Oncotype DX, and pharmacogenomic testing. Industry can fill a niche by incorporating genomic medicine in health care and by providing genetics education to patients, payors and healthcare providers.