The role of genomics in guiding better health decision for Veterans
Dr. Jason Vassy is a primary care physician at VA Boston Healthcare System. He leads the Genomes to Veterans Research Program, which focuses on bringing genomic tools to help VA use genetic information to improve Veterans’ health.
“How can we use a Veteran’s genetic makeup to help improve their health care?” he asked, in the podcast. While not all conditions require genetic testing, “in the areas where we know doctors should be using genetic testing… how do we make it easier for them?”
This work shows how VA is staying ahead when it comes to health and technology.
Exploring the potential of DNA-guided treatment
In Dr. Vassy’s VA study on pharmacogenetics for depression, he found that Veterans who received DNA-guided medication choices fared better, stating, “Patients that got that kind of testing were more likely to have a medication that was a better match for their DNA and had lower rates of depressive symptoms.” His team also used data from the Million Veteran Program (MVP) to identify Veterans with a genetic form of extremely high cholesterol, noting, “We reached back out… and got them connected to clinical genetic testing, increased surveillance, and treatment.” These actions helped Veterans and their families reduce their risk of early heart disease.
Using genetic risk to guide prostate cancer screening
In addition, Vassy leads the nationwide PROGRESS Study, which uses genetic risk to guide prostate cancer screening for men ages 55 to 70. Veterans can enroll online and submit a saliva kit from home.
“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men,” Vassy said. Genetic guidance may allow VA to detect dangerous cancers earlier while reducing harm from over-screening. He also stressed that VA protects genetic information with the strictest safeguards: “These data are password-protected, encrypted… only people with a right to access it can do so.”
Looking ahead at the future of genomic medicine
Looking ahead, Vassy believes genomic medicine will increasingly shape preventive care as technology advances and costs fall. He encourages Veterans to start by learning their family history and talking with their providers about potential genetic risks, noting, “Genetics is just another tool in the toolbox for how to manage a concern you bring to your provider.”
Veterans can explore opportunities to participate in ongoing research and learn more about genomic testing throughout VA’s national programs.
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The ultimate long term goal is genetic restoration and or gene therapy.
But, so far VA/DOD have looked at genetic research as short cuts to less
dignified outcome. Like tailoring medication to PTSD?
My biggest fight with VA going back 23 years has been my pre – post
genomic sequencing analysis. Take a HIV serum sample from 1989
and sequence the whole genome. Show that to a current sample. This
would prove what changes after war.
In 2023 it was put to the test when the VA RAC held a meeting to
discuss DARPA and DODSR. I confronted the DARPA presenter who
said my idea was plausible. DODSR said it wasnt. After the meeting
the RAC took down all the materials from this meeting and hid it.
See, I found out after this that serum amplification had worked
in 2019. Its being kept hush hush. Then a recent study showed you
can take serum and sequence the whole with Exome. With samples
up to 45 years old. Which means DODSR lied to me.
So what does VA do, it steps back and let DOD cherry pick which
genes it wants to look at. Not the whole, just the ones that support
mental health or substance abuse. Its in its early stage with Gulf war
vets now. Why? Because DOD and VA dont want definitive proof of
alterations from external factors like chemical weapons use. Means
liability. Which they have dodged with Gulf War and OIF.
Its not something big either. Its subtle elements. Like enzyme dysfunction
in lysosomal damage. Hard to prove or visualize. Like 15% or so rather
than glowing obvious street sign.
DARPA and others are pioneering for the wealthy. Answers already exist.
But, not for the general population. Restoring your DNA to your younger
self is the fountain of youth. Meant to be expensive and beyond the reach
of the poor. So DOD – VA keep looking at medicating rather than true
beneficial CRISPR or viral recombinant therapies.
I know, Ive been at the fore front of this for 2 decades when I first confronted
the AFIP about the blood samples. Researcher stalling tactics. All the
agencies tied into this. Because the price kept dropping. $5,000,000 in 2002
to $150,000 in 2025. The analysis work is the problem,not any more.
Technology is there. VA is reserving it for the elite, wealthy, selfish. The rest
of us find out in 10 years what I already know now. Because Ive worked on this
non stop for 23 years – I learned what I needed about genetics and molecular
chemistry. Building my own lab equipment, closing in on that one snippet
messing my life up. Its the home / underground researchers like me that will
create public answers versus the silent government ones sneaking about.
Repair the damaged DNA, not improve medication to avoid it.
So glad you have this podcast available on Apple Podcasts to refer back to. Thanks, Will ~