South Med J. 2026 Jan;119(1):39-43. doi: 10.14423/SMJ.0000000000001925.
ABSTRACT
The rapid evolution of genomic technologies is poised to transform patient care during the next decade, integrating precision medicine with artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic decision making, and personalized healthcare strategies. This review explores key advancements in genomics, including whole-genome sequencing, single-cell genomics, pharmacogenomics, and gene-editing technologies, and their potential impact on clinical practice. AI is emerging as a critical tool in genomic data interpretation, improving disease risk prediction, patient stratification, and drug-response assessments. The synergy between AI and genomics is fostering novel insights into complex diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, epigenomics and liquid biopsies are expanding early disease detection capabilities, allowing for minimally invasive diagnostics and real-time treatment monitoring. Despite these promising developments, challenges remain in accessibility, cost, and ethical considerations, particularly regarding genomic data privacy and algorithmic bias. This review highlights ongoing global initiatives, such as the UK Biobank and the 100,000 Genomes Project, as models for integrating genomic data into mainstream health care. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of gene-editing techniques such as CRISPR holds potential for curative interventions in hereditary diseases. By 2030, genomics will likely be embedded in routine clinical practice, shifting medicine toward a predictive, preventive, and personalized model. Equitable access and ethical governance must be prioritized to ensure the responsible implementation of these transformative technologies, however. This review underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to maximize the clinical and societal benefits of genomic innovation.
PMID:41511845 | DOI:10.14423/SMJ.0000000000001925