Use of personalized medicine in the selection of patients for renal transplantation: views of Quebec transplant physicians and referring nephrologists

Abstract

Aim: To explore the views of physicians on the use of personalized medicine tools to develop a new method for selecting potential recipients of a renal allograft. Methods: A total of 22 semidirected interviews, using clinical case studies. Results: According to the participants, this method has several possible applications within renal transplantation (individualizing immunosuppressive therapy, help with decision making, and possibly with the selection of patients). It could be more effective than the method presently used. The method must be validated scientifically, and must also involve clinical judgment. Conclusion: The use of personalized medicine within transplantation must be in the best interests of the patient. An ethical reflection is necessary in order to focus on the possibility of patients being excluded, as well as on the resolution of the equity/efficacy dilemma. Empirical research has shown itself to be essential for ascertaining the views of the clinicians who will be working with the tools provided by personalized medicine.