Genotypic and phenotypic assessment of platelet function and response to P2Y12 antagonists

The P2Y12-ADP receptor antagonists are the cornerstone of oral antiplatelet therapy in the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease, especially after acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention. Currently, the therapeutic agents available to block the receptor include clopidogrel and prasugrel; ticagrelor is not available everywhere. Clopidogrel was the gold standard, but recently it has been challenged by prasugrel and ticagrelor. One pitfall of clopidogrel is that in some patients it cannot induce optimal platelet reactivity inhibition in connection with several factors, including some genetic polymorphisms of enzymes participating in its bioabsorption or metabolism. This variability of response can be evaluated by platelet reactivity monitoring. This comprehensive review provides the available data regarding the genotypic and phenotypic interaction with the response to P2Y12-ADP receptor antagonists and discusses the concept of personalized antiplatelet therapy based on a genotypic or phenotypic profile.