Cancer pharmacogenetics

Abstract

The large number of active combination chemotherapy regimens for most cancers has led to the need for better information to guide the 'standard' treatment for each patient. In an attempt to individualise therapy, pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics (a polygenic approach to pharmacogenetic studies) encompass the search for answers to the hereditary basis for interindividual differences in drug response. This review will focus on the results of studies assessing the effects of polymorphisms in drug-metabolising enzymes and drug targets on the toxicity and response to commonly used chemotherapy drugs. In addition, the need for polygenic pharmacogenomic strategies to identify patients at risk for adverse drug reactions will be highlighted.

Figure 1

5-Fuorouracil drug pathway demonstrating the interaction of multiple gene products. Genes discussed in this review are shown in bold. The official Human Genome Organization gene nomenclature is used. Common or alternative names for each gene can be found at http://pharmacogenetics.wustl. edu.