Work

Magic Bullet or Marginal Bet—Does Precision Medicine Offer the Best Hope for Sick Individuals and Sick Populations?

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: By targeting treatment according to molecular biomarkers, precision medicine promises a revolution in health care. We examine this promise by distinguishing three precision medicine strategies: biomarker-stratified high-risk-targeting, biomarker-based individual targeting, and biomarker-based disease targeting. Each strategy seeks to boost one of the determinants of the population impact of a medical intervention. We conclude that these strategies give a molecular coating to decades-old tactics. There is no compelling reason to believe that precision medicine strategies are uniquely effective for sick individuals or sick populations.

Source: Philosophy of Science

DOI: 10.1017/psa.2026.10235

Authors: Benjamin Chin-Yee, Jonathan Fuller

Institutions: Western University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Johannesburg

Language: English

Topic: Philosophy and History of Science

Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550