Week 10 CT Complementary Medicine and Precision Medicine

Why is the belief that “natural = safe” a misconception?

Natural products can still cause adverse effects, toxicity, and significant harm.

What is the issue with regulation of many complementary medicines?

Many are “listed” rather than “registered” with the TGA, meaning safety is checked but health claims may not be independently verified.

What are examples of adulteration and contamination in complementary medicines?

Heavy metals, undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients, steroids, or lower active ingredient levels than stated.

What are herb-drug interactions?

Complementary medicines interacting dangerously with prescription medications.

How does St John’s wort affect medications?

It speeds up metabolism of some drugs, reducing effectiveness of medications like blood thinners, antidepressants, and oral contraceptives.

Which supplements may increase bleeding risk?

Ginkgo biloba, garlic, and ginseng.

Why are supplements dangerous before surgery?

Some increase bleeding risk and may interfere with surgical outcomes.

What is “hidden polypharmacy”?

When patients do not disclose vitamins or herbal supplements they are taking.

How can complementary medicines delay orthodox care?

Patients may postpone evidence-based medical treatment for serious conditions.

Why is product-specific evidence important in complementary medicine?

Efficacy varies depending on dosage, manufacturing process, and ingredient combinations.

What is the first step to achieving QUM with complementary medicines?

Always disclose all vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements to healthcare professionals.

When should herbal supplement use be disclosed before surgery?

At least two weeks before a planned operation.

How can patients verify complementary medicine claims?

Use evidence-based resources and consult pharmacists about interactions.

What is precision medicine?

An approach that tailors healthcare and treatments to an individual’s genetics, environment, and lifestyle.

What are genomics and “-omics” in precision medicine?

Advanced DNA sequencing techniques used to identify genetic markers driving disease.

What is pharmacogenomics?

The study of how genes affect a person’s response to medications.

How do Big Data and AI contribute to precision medicine?

They analyze large amounts of health data to guide clinical decision-making.

Why are lifestyle and environment important in precision medicine?

They help predict disease risks and recovery outcomes.

What are the 4Ps of precision medicine?

Predictive, Preventive, Personalized, and Participative.

What does “Predictive” mean in the 4P model?

Identifying disease risk before symptoms occur.

What does “Preventive” mean in the 4P model?

Using early interventions for high-risk individuals.

What does “Personalized” mean in the 4P model?

Tailoring treatment to the individual’s molecular and clinical profile.

What does “Participative” mean in the 4P model?

Patients actively participate in healthcare decisions using precise health information.

How is precision medicine used in cancer therapy?

By targeting tumor mutations with highly specific drugs or immunotherapies.

How is precision medicine used in infectious diseases?

Biomarkers help determine disease severity and treatment effectiveness.

How is precision medicine used in chronic conditions?

Treatments are customized for conditions like asthma or diabetes based on individual metabolic profiles.