Final answer:
Relevant cost typically pertains to business decisions but, in this question, refers to the cost of genetic testing like whole-exome sequencing or pharmacogenomics. Whole-exome sequencing has become more affordable and can pinpoint mutations for targeted treatments, whereas pharmacogenomics faces insurance and ethical challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of relevant cost is often discussed in the context of business decisions. However, in the scenario provided, it seems to refer to the cost of a genetic test, such as whole-exome sequencing or pharmacogenomics testing, rather than a business cost. Whole-exome sequencing can be a cost-effective option in medical genetics, as it focuses only on those regions of the genome that code for proteins. This can aid in identifying mutations responsible for diseases, as demonstrated by the case where whole-exome sequencing led to a lifesaving diagnosis and treatment for a young boy with a rare genetic disorder affecting apoptosis. The cost of whole-exome sequencing has become more affordable, often around $1000, and can generate results in as little as two days. Yet, the field of pharmacogenomics, which tailors medication based on an individual's genetic makeup, although promising, can face challenges such as insurance coverage, test availability, and ethical considerations.