Researchers developed a blood test based on patients' internal clocks to help providers administer drugs at ideal times, Verdict Medical Devices reports on a study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Here's what you should know:
1. The researchers aimed to identify the biomarkers in blood that can determine an individual's 'internal time.' Biomarkers in a single blood sample can differentiate between people who function better early in the day, and those who function better later.
2. A patient's internal clock could determine what time of day would be most effective to administer drugs and result in fewer side effects.
3. Researchers measured the activity of all 20,000 genes in a particular blood cell type for one day in multiple subjects. Using computer algorithms, they identified 12 genes capable of reliably reporting internal time.
4. Time-based treatment, which is known as chronotherapy, could improve diagnosis and therapy, according to lead researcher Dr. Achim Kramer.
5. The researchers plan to demonstrate the benefits of personalized chronotherapy in future clinical studies. They will adjust therapies based on a patient's internal time.
