Work

The public health utility of genome-wide association study results for smoking behavior

Year: 2010

Type: editorial

Abstract: New approaches to improve smoking cessation rates are needed. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in understanding the genetics of smoking behavior, and this knowledge may eventually be used to personalize treatment for smokers. Although there are highly significant and reproducible genetic associations, none are yet ready for clinical applications. We suggest that translational research from several disciplines, including behavioral science, ethics and economics, should be performed in parallel with ongoing genome-wide association studies for smoking behavior and pharmacogenetic trials. The coordinated effort of multidisciplinary research teams will help reveal the circumstances under which we can translate genetic insights into clinical practice in the hope of reducing the burden of smoking in society.

Source: Genome Medicine

DOI: 10.1186/gm147

Authors: Helena Furberg, Jamie Ostroff, Caryn Lerman, Patrick F Sullivan

Institutions: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania

Language: English

Topic: Smoking Behavior and Cessation

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $5,290