3 Tips to Get More Latinos in Genetic Studies, Clinical Trials

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Latinos are underrepresented in genetic studies, but did you know just how underrepresented they are?

Whites make up 96% of participants in genome-wide association studies and next-generation genome sequencing, which make it harder for scientists to develop personalized therapies specifically for Latinos and other minority groups.

A new report, Genes, Culture, and Medicines: Bridging Gaps in Treatment for Hispanic Americans from the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, offers three main recommendations in response to this lack of diversity in genetic studies:

Improve the Science. Fully implement federal research guidelines for inclusion of underrepresented groups in all study and grant applications, including pilot studies, and encourage non-federal granting bodies to do the same.

Enhance Quality of Care. Initiate a translational effort, based on new knowledge from genetic studies, that will deliver enhanced guidance to providers on applicability to specific populations of current clinical recommendations and prioritize new studies to fill in knowledge gaps.

Support Consumer Health Decision-Making. Launch a consumer support effort on using genetic information to inform health decision-making and ensure access to testing, counseling, and companion diagnostics.

“Genetic research holds the promise of catalyzing the new era of personalized medicine and improved quality of health care for all,” according to the report. “This promise will only be realized, however, when all population groups are adequately included in research and all consumers are provided the tools to use new genetic information to make the best health decisions for their well-being. It is an undertaking that holds the promise to transform health for this and future generations.”