Precision medicine is an emerging approach for disease treatment and prevention that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle for each person. While significant advances in precision medicine have been made for select cancers, the practice is not currently in use for most diseases. Many efforts are underway to help make precision medicine the norm rather than the exception, and particularly for common chronic conditions.
With this in mind the first meeting on precision medicine in the field of allergy and chronic airway diseases, took place on 14th October in the European Parliament. The event was organised by EAACI, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and speakers from a number of relevant stakeholders presented their views on the topic. The aims of the symposium were to:
- Demonstrate the need for precision medicine in allergy and chronic airways disease in Europe
- Define an action plan to deliver precision medicine in allergy and airways disease in Europe
In opening the meeting Sirpa Pietikäinen, Chair of the EU Interest Group on Allergy and Asthma, stated “There are literally millions of reasons to support asthma and allergy”.
EFA was represented on the panel by President Christine Rolland. She highlighted the burden placed on the patient, the fact that 45% of Europeans with respiratory allergies have never received a proper diagnosis, and outlined actions needed in order to improve this situation. Of key importance is the participation of patients, their involvement and their empowerment, as well as early and precise diagnosis, and access to treatment.
Torsten Zuberbier, Ga2len Secretary General, spoke about the Socio-economic impact, highlighting how the disease is often trivialised. He stated that we need to look at the indirect costs, i.e. the issue of presenteeism as well as days lost from work. He also raised the issue of cost, stating that investment is necessary and will be cost effective in the long term.
David Price, from the Respiratory Effectiveness Group, discussed how we he had heard EFA’s plea for accurate diagnosis, and tailored treatment. He reiterated the point that there is often a mismatch in the language used between the patient and their healthcare professional. He told participants “We need to fit into the world of the patient, no the doctor”, and stressed the importance of communicating effectively in order to empower patients in the management of their condition.
All of the speakers highlighted the importance of putting the patient at the centre of discussions on precision medicine.
Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis raised the point that we need to focus more on prevention and stated that there is too little investment in early diagnosis, and patient empowerment, both of which are crucial for a healthy population of Europeans. He urged for further cooperation in member states and a coordinated effort in order to successfully implement national strategies.
In closing the meeting Peter Hellings, EAACI General Secretary stated that to move forward we need to work together with patient organisations, and that what we have started today with the launch of the action plan must be continued. Collaboration and a patient centred approach will be key, “We want to respect and engage with the patient”, he added.
The event was hosted by MEP David Borelli. Following the meeting MEP Borelli became a member of the European Parliament Interest Group on Asthma and Allergy (http://www.efanet.org/resources/26-library/news/2628-interest-group-on-allergy-and-asthma).
We will keep you up to date on any developments.
In the meantime you can watch the event in full. A webcast is available here: http://eaaci.org/resources/webcasts-webinars/allergy-schools/3569-eu-symposium-on-precision-medicine-in-allergy-and-asthma.html