From bench to bedside: a diagnostics framework for pharmacogenetics research

Although many genetic variants have been associated with differential drug responses, a very limited number of pharmacogenctic tests have entered common clinical practice. Pharmacogenetic tests that are successful address unmet medical needs, are clinically relevant, and have sufficient sensitivity, and specificity. In this respect, pharmacogenetics is no different from other diagnostics fields. Unmet medical need, clinical relevance, sensitivity, and specificity are discussed in the context of specific pharmacogenetic associations. These parameters are useful guides for researchers interested in translating pharmacogenetic findings from the bench to the bedside. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.