Diagnostic Pathology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

GatorSeq Pharm is a pharmacogenomic gene assay we developed that predicts how patients will respond to a specific drug. The test determines the genotype/allelotype of each patient and correlates the results with the expected drug response based on published data and Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium recommendations. Personalized drug therapy can then be based on the individual’s genetic makeup which accounts for differences in drug absorption, metabolism, and efficiency. Such genetic differences may explain why one drug works well for one person, but the same drug causes severe adverse effects in other individuals. The test was validated in a clinical CLIA-approved laboratory to genotype 11 most significant pharmacogenomic genes. The test results provides the ordering physician with actionable relevant data and recommendations to individualize patient care allowing them to make insightful treatment decisions.

Biography

Dr. Petr Starostik is Associate Professor of Pathology and serves as Director of Molecular Pathology in the Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine of the College of Medicine at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. Over the years, he directed several molecular diagnostics laboratories, both in the U.S. and abroad. Development of molecular diagnostic tests is his specialty as evidenced by his publications and the multitude of laboratory-developed tests performed in laboratories he directed. Besides clinical work, he also pursues basic research focusing on the role of FLT3 ITD in acute leukemia.

E-mail: starostik@pathology.ufl.edu