More on the debate on how real and realistic is personalized medicine. Much of the discussion reflects the views of Eric Topal (one of the leading advocates for change), who is particularly enthusiastic for more personalized treatments for cancer, with the dissenting view of Ezekiel Emanuel of the University of Pennsylvania. Quote:
“Personalized medicine is a myth. It’s hyperbolic,” argued Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, vice provost for global initiatives and chairman of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania.
Emanuel spoke with Topol and Margaret Hamburg, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, on a panel about personalized medicine at the Aspen Ideas Festival this month.
According to Emanuel, tailoring medical treatments to individual characteristics of each patient is both overly optimistic and cost-prohibitive. He likened it to buying a custom-made suit versus one off the rack.
Is personalized medicine a myth? – CNN.com.
And another article, more on the cheerleading side, on people as ‘consumers’ of healthcare. I think there is a world of difference between me as a consumer of day-to-day products and services, and my health where I need outside experience and expertise to inform my choices and decisions. A bit more caution and humility needed!
