The meaning of “individualized medicine”: A terminological adjustment of a perplexing term

Abstract

This chapter introduces “Individualized Medicine” as a technical term. In order to do this the chapter first gives a precise, logical and conceptual analysis of relevant explanations and definitions from English and German speaking areas. It secondly presents a definition according to which the term “Individualized Medicine” should be used for describing research approaches and health care practices, when the biomarker-based prediction of (a) diseases and/or (b) the effectiveness of therapies by stratification is central. The relevant terms “research approach”, “health care practice”, “biomarker”, “prediction” and “stratification” will be discussed in detail. Finally the term “Individualized Medicine” will be examined regarding its extension and be compared to “Personalized Medicine”, which is also understood terminologically.