Pharmacogenetics of cancer therapy: getting personal

Article Abstract:

The current body of information about pharmacogenetics of cancer therapy is reviewed in this article which deals with inherited differences in the way patients' bodies metabolize anticancer agents. Pharmacogenetic studies of cancer therapy deal with inherited differences in the way patients' bodies metabolize anticancer agents. Inherited differences in drug targets, among then receptors, are one facet although genetic polymorphism in drug metabolism is usually the focus. Knowing the facts about these factors in a patient in theory makes it possible to find the most appropriate medications and the best doses. Several dozen genetic polymorphisms of drug-metabolizing enzymes, some of which are relevant for anticancer drugs, have been found and characterized.

Author: Evans, William E., Krynetski, Eugene Y.
Drug therapy, Antineoplastic agents, Cancer, Drug metabolism, Pharmacogenetics, Pharmacogenomics

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


Epigenetic regulation of human gamma-glutamyl hydrolase activity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells

Article Abstract:

The epigenetic modifications of gamma-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH) in leukemia cells and normal leukocytes from pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are examined and two CpG islands in the promoter region of GGH are identified. GGH activity in human leukemia cells is regulated by epigenetic changes, in addition to genetic polymorphisms and karyotypic abnormalities, which determine interindividual differences in GGH activity and influence MTX polyglutamates (MTXPG) accumulation in leukemia cells.

Author: Ribeiro, Raul C., Relling, Mary V., Evans, William E., Ching-Hon Pui, Cheng Cheng, Qing Cheng, Crews, Kristine R.
Science & research, Acute lymphocytic leukemia, Ontogeny

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


Interaction between the functional polymorphisms of the alcohol-metabolism genes in protection against alcoholism

Article Abstract:

Interaction between functional polymorphisms of the alcohol-metabolism genes is discussed as related to protection against alcoholism. In Taiwan 340 alcoholic and 545 control Han Chinese were genotyped at three loci related to alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, the major enzymes of alcohol metabolism. Genetic protection against alcoholism exists in East Asians where variant alleles are seen. Results seem to indicate that protection from one allele may be independent of that from another.

Author: Yin, Shih-Jiun, Lu, Ru-Band, Chen, Chiao-Chicy, Chen, Yi-Chyan, Wang, Ming-Fang, Chang, Yue-Cune, Li, Ting-Kai
Taiwan, Statistical Data Included, Usage, Alcoholism, Chromosome mapping

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


Subjects list: Research, United States, Genetic aspects, Genetic disorders, Genetic polymorphisms
This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.