Pharmacogenomic applications in oncology
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Updated: May 19, 2026

Multi-Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Detection in Gastric Cancer Based on Ion Semiconductor Sequencing Platform
Published on: May 10, 2024
Christine M Walko1, Ogechi Ikediobi
1UNC School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7569, USA. cwalko@email.unc.edu
Abstract:
Oncology chemotherapeutics frequently exhibit a narrow therapeutic index, further complicated by the serious nature of dosing either too high (dangerous toxicities) or too low (loss of antitumor benefits). This underscores the need for optimal individualized drug selection and dosing, especially with agents that have wide interpatient variability. Pharmacogenomic assessment of drug metabolizing enzymes can improve the ability to optimally dose patients being treated with certain agents such as 6-mercaptopurine, irinotecan, tamoxifen, and flurouracil. Two of these agents (6-mercaptopurine and irinotecan) already have mention of pharmacogenomic testing in their FDA approved package inserts. Ongoing retrospective and prospective trials will help to further optimize the place in clinical practice for not only performing these pharmacogenomic assessments but, more importantly, how the results should be incorporated into therapy dosing decisions for patients.
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