Genetic data could revolutionize safety in steroid treatments for chronic conditions

A new study has shown how genetic data can improve risk assessments for patients undergoing oral corticosteroid therapy. Presented at the European Society of Human Genetics conference, the research highlights the potential of polygenic risk scores to make treatment safer and more personalised. Corticosteroids are widely used for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions but carry serious side effects. These can include osteoporosis, stroke, and cataracts, which are difficult to predict. The study identified specific gene variants, such as those in CYP3A4 and CTLA4, that increase the risk of these complications.

Researchers used polygenic risk scores to analyse the combined effect of multiple genetic variants. These scores provided stronger predictive power than traditional clinical factors alone, especially for younger patients starting steroid treatment. A clear link was also found between higher cumulative steroid doses and a greater likelihood of adverse outcomes.

The findings suggest that genetic risk profiling could lead to more tailored treatments. This might involve earlier use of steroid-sparing therapies or closer monitoring for high-risk patients. The study sets a new standard for using genetic insights in corticosteroid therapy. While the approach promises more individualised care, widespread adoption will need further validation in diverse groups. It will also require systems for routine genetic screening and data interpretation.