October 29, 2024
Adverse drug reactions are a significant challenge in modern medicine, particularly in cancer treatment where potent medications can have severe side effects. To avoid these negative reactions, it is important to understand how genetic differences affect the way each of us responds to drugs.
This is where the science of pharmacogenomics comes into play.
What is Pharmacogenomics?
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs. This field combines pharmacology (the science of drugs) and genomics (the study of genes and their functions) to develop effective, safe medications and doses tailored to a person’s genetic makeup.
The Problem of Adverse Drug Reactions
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can lead to treatment withdrawal, medication non-compliance, permanent disability and even death. In cancer treatment, these reactions are particularly problematic due to the high potency of the drugs used. Identifying patients at risk can significantly improve treatment outcomes and patient safety.
Genome BC’s Role in Pharmacogenomics
Since 2005, Genome BC has funded projects related to pharmacogenomics that aim to mitigate the impact of ADRs. One notable area of focus has been pediatric oncology (childhood cancer), where ADRs are most frequent and severe, accounting for up to 30% of oncology-related hospital admissions.
Pioneering Research to Reduce ADRs in Pediatric Oncology
Research led by Dr. Bruce Carleton and Dr. Colin Ross has been instrumental in reducing ADRs in children undergoing cancer treatment. They have focused on identifying genetic markers that predict susceptibility to ADRs and implementing genetic testing across nine pediatric cancer centers in Canada. This initiative is a testament to the power of precision medicine, potentially benefiting up to 77% of pediatric oncology patients nationwide.
Key Findings:
Hearing Loss from Cisplatin: Genetic testing can help identify children who are at risk of losing their hearing from the cancer drug cisplatin. Knowing this in advance allows doctors to consider different treatments or take steps to prevent hearing loss.
Heart Damage from Anthracycline: By finding specific genetic markers, doctors can tell which children might have heart problems from the cancer drug anthracycline. This information helps them adjust the drug dose or choose safer treatment options, leading to better patient outcomes.
An economic evaluation of these findings demonstrates that pharmacogenomic testing saves lives and reduces healthcare costs.
A 2016 Genome BC-funded study found that genetic testing leads to an 18% reduction in mortality from anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, helping to prevent 12 deaths and gain 720 years of life for every 1,000 patients treated. Additionally, the use of pharmacogenomic tests resulted in an 8.9% overall reduction in treatment costs, saving an average of $760 per patient treated with anthracyclines.
Genome BC’s investment in pharmacogenomics has greatly advanced our understanding of how genetic differences affect drug responses. By identifying patients at risk for adverse drug reactions (ADRs), particularly in pediatric oncology, this research has improved the safety and effectiveness of cancer treatments. The economic benefits further emphasize the value of integrating pharmacogenomics into clinical practice, making it a vital step towards more personalized and effective healthcare.
Did you know British Columbia’s unique contributions to scientific advancements like this are helping to revolutionize cancer care?
At this year’s Don Rix Distinguished Keynote Address, Dr. Sam Aparicio will dive deeper into the cutting-edge research reshaping cancer diagnosis and treatment. Register now to be part of the conversation shaping the future of oncology!