Dr. Uday Jani to address genetics in medicine Nov. 28

Dr. Uday Jani will present a free seminar, The Future is Now: Exciting Advances in Genomic Testing and Personalized Medicine, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 28, at Lewes Public Library.

Jani will unravel the mystery behind why no one diet or medication works equally well for everyone. Exploring the individualized approach to medical care, Jani will present an in-depth look at the latest genetic, pharmacogenomics and gut microbiome testing available today.

Attendees will gain a better understanding of how their individual makeup impacts everything from nutritional choices to medication efficacy to lifestyle modifications for preventing disease.

Jani will draw on his expertise in traditional, integrative and functional medicine to explain the risks and benefits of these thrilling medical breakthroughs.

Following is a look at how the promise of these personalized treatments of tomorrow is being realized at today’s most progressive practices.

“Research has shown that the most frequently used medications fail to benefit or cause adverse reactions in three to 24 patients for every one person helped,” said Jani. “That’s simply not good enough, and we are looking to pharmacogenomics testing to help change the paradigm.”

The premise underlying pharmacogenomics is identifying the variations in genes that cause individuals to metabolize, or break down, a drug too slowly or too quickly. If a person metabolizes a drug too quickly, they may not receive enough of it to be effective; conversely, a slow metabolizer may be exposed to too much of it and experience an adverse reaction.

“Understanding how patients metabolize drugs can help physicians determine the most effective medications and optimal doses,” said Jani. “This information will eventually help guide prescribing in a much more precise and personalized way.”

Pharmacogenomics is currently being used in treatment of specific genetically influenced tumors, and for certain medications for cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease and HIV.

Genetic testing, which examines changes, or variants, in the genes that may lead to illness or disease, is also progressing from occasional, specialized use to becoming a part of a patient’s personal health record, according to Jani. In addition to laying the foundation for pharmacogenomics, genetic testing is used to identify disease carrier states for genes, inherited diseases such as heart disease or cancer, and risk of common diseases. It has been noted that up to 15 percent of most cancers are due to inherited genetic mutations.

“Being aware that a mutation is present that increases risk allows physicians to create a personalized plan to prevent or detect cancers at an earlier or more treatable stage,” said Jani.

Direct-to-consumer DNA testing has exploded in the last few years, with applications ranging from choosing the right diet to the right exercise program. Companies such as 23andMe provide a risk factor analysis for diseases frequently experienced in the areas of aging, celiac disease, and breast, ovarian and other cancers. Color Genomics focuses on dozens of the most relevant genes that can increase risk for the most common cancers. According to this research, almost half the people with mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes do not have a significant family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

While technological advances and clinical breakthroughs are paving the way for more targeted, precision treatments, Jani maintains it is still the holistic view of the patient that will ultimately optimize the enormous potential of genetic testing.

“One of the most important benefits of personalized medicine is the opportunity it presents to work with patients on lifestyle modifications to prevent or delay disease,” he said. “More than 90 percent of disease is driven by environmental and lifestyle factors. This makes it even more imperative to understand everything surrounding a patient’s health, including factors not usually considered such as food intolerance, time in nature, spiritual balance, stress management and sleep patterns.”

To register for the event, go to www.genomic-testing-personalized-medicine-lewes.eventbrite.com

Jani, a board-certified internist in private practice at Shore View Personal Care in Milton, believes in treating the whole person – not just the disease – utilizing an evidence-based integrative approach. He completed a two-year integrative medicine fellowship at the University of Arizona, recognized as the leading integrative medicine program in the world, followed by training at the Institute for Functional Medicine in Minneapolis. For more information, call 302-684-0990 or go to www.udayjanimd.com.