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Published on: March 28, 2017
Part 3: Pharmacogenetic variability in phase II anticancer drug metabolism
Maarten J Deenen1, Annemieke Cats, Jos H Beijnen
1The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Equivalent drug doses may lead to wide interpatient variability in drug response to anticancer therapy. Known determinants that may affect the pharmacological response to a drug are, among others, nongenetic factors, including age, gender, use of comedication, and liver and renal function. Nonetheless, these covariates do not explain all the observed interpatient variability. Differences in genetic constitution among patients have been identified to be important factors that contribute to differences in drug response. Because genetic polymorphism may affect the expression and activity of proteins encoded, it is a key covariate that is responsible for variability in drug metabolism, drug transport, and pharmacodynamic drug effects. We present a series of four reviews about pharmacogenetic variability. This third part in the series of reviews is focused on genetic variability in phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes (glutathione S-transferases, uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferases, methyltransferases, sulfotransferases, and N-acetyltransferases) and discusses the effects of genetic polymorphism within the genes encoding these enzymes on anticancer drug therapy outcome. Based on the literature reviewed, opportunities for patient-tailored anticancer therapy are proposed.
Insights
Genetic variations in phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes significantly impact anticancer drug efficacy. Understanding this pharmacogenetic variability can personalize cancer therapy for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacogenetics
- Oncology
- Drug Metabolism
Background:
- Interpatient variability in anticancer drug response is significant.
- Nongenetic factors explain only part of this variability.
- Genetic differences are crucial for drug response variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review genetic variability in phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes.
- To discuss the impact of genetic polymorphisms on anticancer therapy.
- To propose opportunities for personalized anticancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on pharmacogenetic variability.
- Focus on phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes: GSTs, UGTs, methyltransferases, SULTs, NATs.
- Analysis of genetic polymorphism effects on anticancer drug outcomes.
Main Results:
- Genetic polymorphisms in phase II enzymes influence drug metabolism and transport.
- These variations affect the efficacy and toxicity of anticancer drugs.
- Specific enzyme families (e.g., GSTs, UGTs) show significant polymorphic impact.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacogenetic variability in phase II enzymes is a key factor in anticancer therapy.
- Tailoring therapy based on genetic profiles can optimize treatment.
- Further research can lead to more precise, individualized cancer treatments.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Metabolism: Overview
Pharmacogenetics of Phase I Enzymes: Cytochrome P450 Isozymes
Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase
Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics: Overview
