Supplementary Material for: Precision Genetic and Genomic Medicine in the Middle East and North Africa Region: Are We There Yet?

Purpose: As precision medicine continues its expansion
into clinical practice and research settings, it is time to investigate
genetic and genomic research in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
region to identify the strengths and deficits and to provide suggestions
for future development. Methods: We performed a
literature review of any genetic or genomic publications on breast
cancer and type 2 diabetes for the years 2000-2015 and evaluated the
translational value of the research using multiple evaluation metrics,
including the “continuum of translation” and the Health Impact Pyramid. Results:
A total of 138 type 2 diabetes and 231 breast cancer publications were
included. There were few cohort studies or randomized controlled trials,
and there was a distinct lack of pharmacogenetic or pharmacogenomic
papers. Most studies were not interventional but instead evaluated
susceptibility, and when placed on the continuum of translation, more
than 90% of the studies were T1. Conclusion: This study
suggests that the translational value of genetic and genomic research in
the MENA region is currently suboptimal. Moving forward requires
international cooperation and a collaborative cohort program in order to
implement precision medicine in this area of the world.