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Clinically relevant cancer biomarkers and pharmacogenetic assays

Jai N Patel1, Katherine Mandock, Howard L McLeod

  • 1Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; UNC Institute for Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice : Official Publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners
|January 29, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pharmacogenetic assays are expanding for targeted cancer therapies. Understanding available clinical assays and profiling methods is crucial for predicting patient response and optimizing cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacogenomics
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • The development of molecularly targeted anticancer drugs is increasing the availability of pharmacogenetic assays.
  • Literature on drug-gene associations is robust, but reviews on clinical assay availability for cancer biomarkers are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and describe cancer biomarkers and their corresponding pharmacogenetic assays in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and databases on pharmacogenetic assays for cancer biomarkers.
  • Analysis of methodologies used in current clinical practice for molecular profiling.

Main Results:

  • Dozens of pharmacogenetic assays employing common methodologies are available for clinical use.
  • Germ-line DNA mutations predict pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic responses; somatic mutations predict tumor response.
  • Molecular profiling aids in predicting prognosis and response to anticancer therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Clinicians must understand drug-gene pathways, mutation implications, available assays, and profiling methods for effective personalized medicine.
  • Knowledge of pharmacogenetic assays is critical for predicting anticancer drug safety and efficacy, advancing personalized cancer care.
Keywords:
Pharmacogeneticassaybiomarkercancerclinical

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