A set of guidelines for precision medicine research has recently been released by the BePRECISE consortium to boost accuracy, safety, and health equality in this field.
BePRECISE stands for Better Precision-data Reporting of Evidence from Clinical Intervention Studies & Epidemiology.
Professor Paul Franks from Lund University, Sweden, who chairs the Guidelines committee, explains that precision medicine aims to customize healthcare based on individual characteristics, taking into account the diverse nature of diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, cancers, mental health issues, musculoskeletal disorders, and infectious diseases. However, the varied nature of diseases and research methods has made it challenging to compare studies and apply their findings effectively across the field.
Professor Michèle Ramsay, a member of the BePRECISE consortium and the Director of the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB) at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits University), states that African populations have unique genetic diversity and face complex environments, which can contribute to global precision medicine solutions. To benefit from this diversity, it is crucial to generate and share research data while adhering to international best practices.
The SBIMB at Wits University focuses on significant research related to Africa’s genetic background to enhance the health outcomes of its residents. The institute envisions establishing an African Genomics research center to bolster the capacity for analyzing extensive genome, transcriptome, and epigenomic datasets to support precision medicine initiatives in Africa.
Ramsay underscores the significance of the BePRECISE checklist as a crucial tool for ensuring that research studies can be compared accurately, allowing for a tailored approach for African populations.
A Milestone in Precision Medicine Research: Standardized Reporting Guidelines
There has been a lack of standardized guidelines for reporting precision medicine research, impeding progress in the field. To address this gap, the BePRECISE consortium, comprised of 23 global experts in various domains related to precision medicine, conducted a thorough review and utilized consensus-building techniques to develop the new reporting guidelines.
The resulting BePRECISE Checklist consists of 23 items categorized into five sections mirroring the typical sections found in scientific publications.
There is a dedicated section in the checklist that highlights the importance of health equity by stressing the inclusion of underrepresented communities in precision medicine research, as well as engaging patients and the public in research activities.
Embracing the Guidelines for Swift and Fair Clinical Integration
The BePRECISE consortium urges researchers, reviewers, funders, and editors to adopt these guidelines to facilitate the fair and prompt clinical integration of precision medicine. By adhering to this checklist, the quality and comparability of precision medicine studies are expected to improve, ultimately leading to advancements in healthcare that benefit all individuals.
About BePRECISE
The BePRECISE consortium is made up of a collaborative team of experts from different income settings devoted to enhancing the reporting standards in precision medicine research. Through meticulous review processes and consensus building, BePRECISE aims to propel the field of precision medicine forward by advocating for transparency, inclusivity, and robust research practices.
