Pharmacogenetics of Drugs Used in the Treatment of Cancers

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  Pharmacogenomics Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genes affect a person's response to drugs. It is a rapidly growing field of research that has the potential to revolutionize the way that drugs are developed and prescribed. How Pharmacogenomics Affects Drug Response

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  There are a number of ways that pharmacogenomics can affect drug response. These include:

• Genes that code for drug-metabolizing enzymes: These genes can influence how quickly or slowly a drug is metabolized. For example, people with certain genetic variants may metabolize a drug more slowly, leading to higher levels of the drug in the blood. This can increase the risk of side effects or toxicity.
• Genes that code for drug targets: These genes can influence how a drug binds to its target molecule. For example, people with certain genetic variants may have fewer or less active drug targets, leading to a decreased response to the drug.
• Genes that influence drug transport: These genes can influence how a drug is transported into and out of cells. For example, people with certain genetic variants may have less efficient drug transport, leading to lower levels of the drug in the blood. This can decrease the effectiveness of the drug.

Pharmacogenomics and Various Illnesses Pharmacogenomics can be used to predict how a person will respond to drugs for a variety of illnesses, including:

• Cancer: Pharmacogenomics can be used to predict how a person will respond to cancer drugs. For example, people with certain genetic variants may be more or less likely to respond to certain cancer drugs.
• Mental illness: Pharmacogenomics can be used to predict how a person will respond to mental health drugs. For example, people with certain genetic variants may be more or less likely to respond to certain antidepressants or antipsychotics.
• Cardiovascular disease: Pharmacogenomics can be used to predict how a person will respond to cardiovascular drugs. For example, people with certain genetic variants may be more or less likely to respond to certain statins or beta-blockers.
• Infectious disease: Pharmacogenomics can be used to predict how a person will respond to antibiotics. For example, people with certain genetic variants may be more or less likely to respond to certain antibiotics.

Concept Map The following concept map illustrates how pharmacogenomics can affect drug response in people with various illnesses: