At the end of 2023, the Kaiser Permanente (KP) Research Bank achieved a milestone — it finished genotyping participants’ blood and saliva samples. Scientists using the KP Research Bank can use this genotyped data to address new research and clinical goals, including KP’s use of precision medicine. Precision medicine is already used when doctors choose the best type of cancer treatment for a growing number of patients. New findings from scientists may make it possible for precision medicine to be used for more patients diagnosed with cancer and other conditions and diseases.
The KP Research Bank includes a valuable combination of more than 400,000 participants’ genetic and survey data, along with their long-term KP medical records. All this information allows scientists to study how genetic factors affect the risk of developing different diseases; how people respond to medications; and the long-term results of having certain conditions and taking different medications. Because of the large number and diversity of KP Research Bank participants, scientists can study these topics among people with different ancestries. They can also compare people from different backgrounds to better understand health disparities.
Kaiser Permanente physician leaders and scientists are starting to plan for ways to work together to increase the use of precision medicine in clinical care throughout Kaiser Permanente. Since KP Research Bank participants have provided more information about themselves than other KP members, it will be easier for them to participate in future studies that may help inform better ways to provide care.
It is an exciting time for the KP Research Bank and for Kaiser Permanente leaders as they plan ways to help bring about positive changes in health care. We are so grateful for your participation and look forward to sharing more updates about the use of genetics in medicine.
