Biomarkers in Search of Precision Medicine in IBD

Ray K. Boyapati, Rahul Kalla, Jack Satsangi, Gwo Tzer Ho

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleResearchpeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The completion of the human genome project in 2003 represented a major scientific landmark, ushering in a new era with hopes and expectations of fresh insights into disease mechanisms and treatments. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), many important discoveries soon followed, notably the identification of >200 genetic susceptibility loci and characterization of the gut microbiome. As "big data", driven by advances in technology, becomes increasingly available and affordable, individuals with IBD and clinicians alike yearn for tangible outcomes from the promise of "precision medicine" - precise diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Here, we provide a commentary on the prospects and challenges of precision medicine and biomarkers in IBD. We focus on the three key areas where precision IBD will have the most impact: (1) disease susceptibility, activity, and behavior; (2) prediction of drug response and adverse effects; and (3) identification of subphenotypic mechanisms to facilitate drug discovery and selection of new treatments in IBD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1682-1690
Number of pages9
JournalAmerican Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume111
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2016
Externally publishedYes

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