A critical view of the revolution of precision medicine: genetics, epigenetics, sex, and gender

The revolution of precision medicine, combined with artificial intelligence–based analysis of big data and exciting new technologies like CRISPR-Cas9, may change the face of clinical practice and treatment outcome of most diseases., In addition, gender- and sex-conscious medicine, which focuses on the often fundamental differences in the function of various body systems in men and in women, complements precision medicine. Now, it will be possible to diagnose diseases more precisely and to treat each patient based on his/her own “individual” disease etiology. Surprisingly, the obstacles on this path are not of a technical nature but rather related to affordability, accessibility of treatment, and most importantly, ethical issues. Thus, society will not escape the need to provide solutions to this and multiple other bioethical problems that will arise as more information, related to present or future health issues which affect each and every one of us, becomes available. Excitingly, the project is trail-blazed by the scientific community worldwide, a wonderful one-of-a-kind collaboration of scientists, clinicians, bioinformaticians, and bio ethicists who are scattered all over the world, at times who do not communicate with one another, but add their knowledge to this wonderful melting pot which is being converted into a great chapter in human history.