ABC7 News reported on a UCSF study led by Dr. Esteban Burchard, revealing that genetic ancestry affects asthma risk and treatment response among Latino populations. The research found that Puerto Ricans, with higher European ancestry, are more susceptible to asthma, while Mexicans, with greater Native American ancestry, are less so. These findings suggest that personalized asthma treatments could be developed by considering a patient's genetic background.
In a 2010 NPR Science Friday segment, Dr. Esteban Burchard discussed the complex interplay between race, genetics, and medicine. He emphasized that while race is a social construct, it can correlate with genetic factors influencing disease risk and treatment response. Burchard advocated for using genetic ancestry to inform medical decisions, acknowledging the challenges of relying solely on racial categories. The conversation highlighted the need for nuanced approaches in healthcare that consider both genetic and social determinants of health.
