New applications of genetic knowledge in healthcare: What knowledge is needed?

Genomics occupies a very wide research territory within medical science that ranges from the detection of genetically determined risk factors for certain disorders to the development of medicines. The ministers of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), and Education, Culture and Science (OCenW) have asked the Advisory Council on Health Research (RGO) which developments in knowledge are needed to socially integrate, in a responsible way, those products, remedies and care practices that come out of genomics research. The RGO has given special attention to areas where research could have relatively short term (in the coming 5 years) consequences for medical care. These areas are diagnostics, pharmacogenetics and some genetic diseases of adulthood. The Council also focussed on a short survey on the subject of genetic screening. The central question was which research is needed so that current genetic knowledge and available techniques can be efficiently adopted into medical practice. Recommendations for research were formulated on the basis of data from the literature, conversations with experts and developments occurring during the preparation of the advice.