PHARMACOGENOMICS AND PERSONALIZED MEDICINE: IMPACT OF GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS ON THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY

Abstract

Pharmacogenomics is a scientific field that investigates how genetic variations influence individual responses to medications and represents one of the main foundations of personalized medicine. This study aimed to analyze the impact of genetic polymorphisms on therapeutic efficacy, highlighting their importance in the selection of safer and more individualized treatments. A narrative literature review was conducted using scientific articles published in the PubMed and SciELO databases over the last ten years. The analyzed studies showed that genetic variants can interfere with drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination processes, resulting in significant differences in therapeutic responses among patients. The findings also demonstrated that pharmacogenomic testing contributes to individualized dose adjustment, reduction of adverse drug reactions, and improved treatment adherence. Furthermore, pharmacogenomics has shown important clinical applications in fields such as oncology, psychiatry, and cardiology, where genetic information supports more precise clinical decision-making. It is concluded that pharmacogenomics is a strategic tool for optimizing drug therapy, promoting greater effectiveness, safety, and personalization of treatments, while contributing to the advancement of personalized medicine.