Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026

Author Spotlight: Genetic Profiling for Fluorouracil Response in Gastric Cancer
Published on: May 10, 2024
Pharmacogenetics of folate-related drug targets in cancer treatment
Kim Robien1, Alanna Boynton, Cornelia M Ulrich
1Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Cancer Prevention Program, 1100 Fairview Ave N, M4-B402, Seattle, WA 98109 1024, USA.
Abstract:
Folate metabolism is the target of two major drug groups: folate antagonists (for example, methotrexate) and thymidylate synthase inhibitors (for example, 5-fluorouracil). These agents are used in the treatment of cancer, as well as for other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. High-dose cancer treatment protocols can induce a state of acute folate depletion which may lead to significant treatment-related toxicity. Polymorphisms in folate-metabolizing enzymes may modify the therapeutic effectiveness and toxicity of these drugs. This review briefly summarizes the drugs targeting the folate pathway and describes common polymorphisms in folate-metabolizing enzymes and transport proteins. Pharmacogenetic studies investigating folate-related drug targets in the treatment of colorectal cancers and hematologic malignancies will subsequently be discussed. Findings to date illustrate a potential for targeting therapy based on patients' genotypes, in order to improve outcomes and reduce toxicity. However, larger, well-designed studies are needed to confirm these early findings.
More Related Videos
06:35An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
Published on: February 8, 2019
07:48Utilizing Functional Genomics Screening to Identify Potentially Novel Drug Targets in Cancer Cell Spheroid Cultures
Published on: December 26, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Metabolism: Overview
Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics: Overview
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase