FROM METABOLOMICS TO THERAGNOSTIC: ADVANCING PERSONALIZED CARE IN MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders rank among the leading causes of disability worldwide, often resulting in chronic pain, reduced mobility, and diminished quality of life. Despite this considerable healthcare burden, diagnostic methods and treatment regimens still rely heavily on generalized protocols, leading to variable therapeutic outcomes. Metabolomics—the comprehensive study of small molecules in biological systems — has emerged as a powerful strategy to enhance diagnostic precision and optimize therapeutic decision-making in MSK care. In this presentation, we explore how metabolomics-driven “theragnostic” approaches can transform patient management by delivering the “right” therapy at the “right” time. Through detailed metabolic profiling, clinicians can identify disease-specific biomarkers that mark the onset or progression of MSK disorders, enabling more accurate and earlier diagnoses. Moreover, these metabolic signatures help distinguish patient subtypes, facilitating tailored treatment strategies that account for individual pathophysiological differences. By unifying diagnostics and therapy, metabolomics-based theragnostic models not only improve clinical outcomes but also streamline healthcare resources, minimizing unnecessary interventions and hospitalizations. As metabolomic technologies advance, the potential for personalized, data-driven care in MSK disorders expands dramatically, promising enhanced patient satisfaction, cost efficiency, and overall healthcare quality. This presentation will feature the latest findings in metabolomics, spotlighting both clinical and sport-related applications, and address future perspectives on metabolomics-based precision medicine in MSK disorders. Through collaborative efforts, integrating metabolomics into standard clinical practice can pave the way toward truly individualized and effective MSK healthcare.