The complexity of pharmacogenomic research and data are increasing enormously as genome-wide (discovery-driven) strategy, large sample sizes for multiple, potentially interacting markers and the call for haplotyping compound the number of relevant factors that need to be considered. In addition, analyses of epignetic phenomena including a systems analysis is necessary to see the full biological reality. Currently, the lack of high-throughput proteomic technologies still hampers this development. Nevertheless, it is becoming clearer that the field may reach (or has already reached) a point where a fine balance between error rate of analysis and complexity of data has to be found. Although new mathematical models may be developed, the increase in quantity and complexity of the data seems to outpace the models. There is no general advantage of one '-omics' over the other; they are supplementary to each other and the choice should be influenced by the scientific question asked. On one side, the technology and bioinformatics of pharmacogenomics is far more advanced. On the other side, genetic variability is not the end of the story and, ultimately, even the epigenetic history of a patient may have to be considered. Currently, medical applications in the field lag behind the scientific progress. Although pharmacogenetic knowledge of drug metabolism may reduce ADRs, it is neither sufficiently translated into the labelings of drugs nor widely practiced by physicians (with one notable exception [15]). More studies with clinically relevant outcomes are needed to promote the clinical acceptance of pharmacogenetics. The use of pharmacogenetics in clinical drug development is compelling from a scientific viewpoint and avantgarde pharmaceutical companies are already including it routinely in clinical trials. Impressive steps have recently been taken towards personalized medicine where a comprehensive, individual pharmacogenetic assessment combined with evidence-based medicine, modulated by the physician's experiences and the patient's preferences will be the clinical standard [16].
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