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Pharmacogenomics in the clinic

Mary V Relling1, William E Evans1

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-2794, USA.

Nature
|October 16, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Pharmacogenomic variations in about 20 genes impact 80 medications, guiding clinical drug choices. Efforts are shifting from discovery to implementing evidence-based strategies for precision medicine.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacogenomics
  • Genetics
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Decades of research have identified inherited genetic variations impacting medication response.
  • Approximately 20 genes are known to influence the efficacy and safety of about 80 medications.
  • Somatic genetic variants are increasingly used to guide targeted anticancer drug selection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the current state of pharmacogenomic knowledge and its clinical applications.
  • To highlight the transition from genetic discovery to clinical implementation.
  • To emphasize the role of pharmacogenomics in advancing precision medicine.

Main Methods:

  • Review of identified genetic variations and their associated medications.
  • Analysis of current clinical practices and implementation strategies.
  • Synthesis of evidence supporting pharmacogenomic-guided therapy.

Main Results:

  • Actionable pharmacogenomic information is available for approximately 20 genes affecting 80 medications.
  • Somatic genetic variants are crucial for selecting targeted cancer therapies.
  • Clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics is a growing focus.

Conclusions:

  • Pharmacogenomics is a cornerstone of precision medicine.
  • Evidence-based implementation strategies are essential for optimizing medication use.
  • Continued efforts are needed to integrate pharmacogenomic variability into routine clinical practice.

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