An international consortium of experts in precision medicine a burgeoning field in which disease prevention and treatment is tailored to individuals based on their genetics, environments, and lifestyles recently published new guidelines to improve how scientists in the field report their research findings. The guidelines aim to enhance clarity, consistency, and inclusivity in precision medicine research, addressing critical gaps that have hindered the field’s progress.

The consortium was led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Paul Franks, adjunct professor of nutrition. It also included Zhila Semnani-Azad, research fellow, and Deirdre Tobias, assistant professor, also in the Department of Nutrition. The team collaborated with 23 experts worldwide to develop a comprehensive framework aimed at improving the reliability and impact of precision medicine research.

According to the consortium, precision medicine research is hampered by a lack of standards for how papers should be written. The absence of uniform guidelines results in inconsistencies in data presentation, making it difficult for scientists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to interpret findings, replicate studies, and implement precision medicine strategies effectively. This issue is particularly concerning as precision medicine gains momentum as a transformative approach to healthcare. Additionally, research in the field has historically overlooked underrepresented populations, leading to findings that may not be broadly applicable to diverse global communities. The consortium emphasized that these barriers limit the positive impact of precision medicine on individuals who could benefit most from tailored medical interventions.

To improve the clinical relevance and accessibility of precision medicine research, the group developed a standardized set of guidelines, known as the Better Precision-data Reporting of Evidence from Clinical Intervention Studies & Epidemiology, or BePRECISE, guidelines. These guidelines outline best practices for structuring research papers and reporting findings in a clear and transparent manner. They cover key aspects of research reporting, including the title and abstract, background and objectives, methods, results, and discussion sections. By providing a structured approach, the guidelines ensure that critical study details are communicated effectively and consistently across research publications, thereby improving the field’s scientific rigor and applicability.

One of the most significant aspects of the BePRECISE guidelines is their emphasis on equity, inclusion, and diversity in research reporting. Historically, a large proportion of precision medicine studies have been conducted on populations of European ancestry, raising concerns about the generalizability of findings to other racial and ethnic groups. This lack of diversity in research samples has the potential to exacerbate existing health disparities, as treatments and interventions developed based on limited data may not be effective for all populations. The guidelines encourage authors to document and report participant demographics, including ancestry, geographic location, and socio-economic background, in order to improve the transparency and inclusivity of precision medicine research. Researchers are also urged to consider and discuss the implications of excluding underrepresented populations from their studies, fostering a more equitable approach to scientific discovery.

Published in Nature Medicine on July 19, the consensus statement from the consortium highlights the urgency of implementing these guidelines to maximize the benefits of precision medicine for all populations. By setting a new standard for research reporting, BePRECISE aims to ensure that findings are not only scientifically robust but also inclusive and applicable to diverse communities. The initiative underscores the responsibility of the scientific community to ensure that precision medicine research does not inadvertently contribute to existing health inequities but instead serves as a tool for promoting better health outcomes across different demographic groups.

Paul Franks, in a news article from Lund University in Sweden, where he also serves as a professor of genetic epidemiology, stressed the importance of addressing these challenges. He noted that the dominance of research focused on European populations poses a risk of widening health disparities and that BePRECISE is designed to mitigate this issue by promoting inclusive and transparent research practices. By implementing these guidelines, the consortium hopes to make precision medicine research more effective, equitable, and beneficial for populations worldwide.

The development of BePRECISE marks a significant step toward improving the clarity and reliability of precision medicine research. As the field continues to expand, these guidelines provide a vital framework for ensuring that research findings can be accurately interpreted and applied in clinical practice. By fostering greater consistency in reporting and encouraging broader representation in study populations, BePRECISE aims to bridge gaps in knowledge and facilitate the translation of precision medicine discoveries into real-world healthcare solutions. The initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on the field by promoting transparency, standardization, and inclusivity, ultimately contributing to more personalized and effective healthcare for all.

Source: https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/elevating-precision-medicine-research/