Opportunity for pharmacogenomic testing in patients with cystic fibrosis

Colleen Sakon1, Leah A Alicea2, Heather Patacca2

  • 1Pharmacy Department, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|December 30, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients frequently receive medications with available pharmacogenetic dosing guidelines. Preemptive genetic testing could optimize drug therapy for these individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacogenomics
  • Clinical Pharmacy
  • Genetic Medicine

Background:

  • Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are prescribed numerous medications throughout their lives.
  • Many of these drugs have Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guidelines to aid in dosing.
  • While CFTR gene testing is standard for modulator therapy, broader pharmacogenomic testing is not.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the use of non-CFTR modulator medications with CPIC guidelines in CF patients.
  • To assess the potential impact of pharmacogenomic testing on drug management in CF.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of electronic medical records (EMR) for CF patients.
  • Identification of drug orders with CPIC actionable guidelines for drug-gene pairs.

Main Results:

  • A total of 576 CF patients were analyzed between June 2005 and May 2021.
  • A significant majority, 87.5% (504 patients), received at least one medication with available CPIC dosing guidelines.
  • This highlights a substantial opportunity for pharmacogenomic testing to inform treatment.

Conclusions:

  • CF patients exhibit high utilization of drugs with CPIC guidelines.
  • Implementing preemptive pharmacogenomic testing alongside CFTR genetic testing is recommended.
  • This approach could enhance personalized medicine and optimize drug therapy in CF care.