The Biggest Misconception About Genetic Testing

Genetic testing isn’t always about finding a cure, explains Leslie Lyons, PhD, Gilbreath-McLorn Endowed Professor of Comparative Medicine at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.

“I think one of the biggest misconceptions that we have with genetic testing is that 'Oh, that's obviously going to lead to a cure.' So, it doesn't lead to a cure, it leads to a better

treatment. Do we want it to lead to cures? Yes, down the road we're making big advances with gene therapies and stem cell therapies where we may be able to cure some diseases and some presentations. But mostly these genetic mutations allow us to really tailor our treatment plans to those given individuals. So, everybody thinks oh we're going to cure the disease but not we're not quite there, yet. First, we really want to know—we want to get rid of the word idiopathic and be able to say this, we know why this individual has this presentation and be able to make a proper treatment plan.”