Genetic testing is a valuable tool to diagnose and assess risk of disease, but the development of genetic tests likely will outpace the ability to treat or prevent disease. The answer is an ongoing dialogue between clinicians and policymakers, according to Wylie Burke, professor and chair of medical history and ethics. Burke published her views in a genetic-testing review article in the Dec. 5 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

In the article, Burke defines genetic testing and notes that these tests have diverse purposes in confirming diagnoses for symptomatic patients, identification of future health risks, prediction of drug response and assessment of risks to future children. The clinical validity of some tests is limited by scientific knowledge of the disease but is likely to improve over time. Genetic testing may ultimately serve as an important guide to preventative care, if effective prevention strategies can be developed for people with genetic risk. .