Thymidylate synthase and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism in normal tissue as predictors of fluorouracil sensitivity

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze thymidylate synthase (TS) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism with respect to fluorouracil (FU) sensitivity.

Patients and methods: The study included a retrospective analysis of 88 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and a prospective trial with 51 patients also with measurable metastases. All patients were treated with FU and leucovorin. The analysis of gene polymorphism was performed on normal intestinal tissue and lymphocytes.

Results: The response rate was significantly higher in patients with TS 3R/3R or MTHFR 677 TT gene polymorphism compared with the other groups. The difference of response rate translated to a difference in time to progression. Similar results were observed in the retrospective analysis and the prospective confirmatory trial.

Conclusion: The analysis of gene polymorphism allows delineation of a group of patients (30%) with a response rate to a single drug of approximately 50%. This information should be used in the design of tailored treatment.