Pharmacogenomics, CYP2D6, and Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy

CYP2D6 genotype data could help tailor hormonal therapy for postmenopausal breast cancer patients.

Aromatase inhibitors, either alone or after tamoxifen treatment, are becoming the dominant adjuvant endocrine therapy for estrogen-receptor (ER)-positive, early-stage breast cancer, based on the results of several large clinical trials involving postmenopausal patients (Journal Watch Oncology and Hematology Mar 12 2007). Tamoxifen remains the treatment of choice only for premenopausal women. However, recent pharmacogenomics research indicates that tamoxifen’s efficacy could vary according to genotype mutations, a factor not accounted for in the large adjuvant endocrine therapy trials.

Pharmacogenomics highlights the importance of a patient’s germline — rather than simply the characteristics of a tumor — in predicting differences in toxicity …

Reviewing Author

William J. Gradishar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardLilly; AstraZeneca; Gilead

Grant/Research SupportBreast Cancer Research Foundation

Editorial BoardsClinical Breast Cancer; Oncology; Annals of Surgery; Breast Cancer Research and Treatment

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNational Comprehensive Cancer Network (Chair, Breast Cancer Panel); American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology Board)