Pharmacogenomics - adapting treatment for neuroblastoma

Pharmacogenetics is the study of inherited genetic differences in drug metabolic pathways, which can affect individual responses to drugs both in terms of therapeutic effect as well as adverse effects. Research in this exciting field moves towards determining how a patient will respond to medicines in order to customise treatment.

This early phase trial, led by Dr Gareth Veal in the Newcastle ECMC, looks at adaptive dosing and pharmacogenetics in children with neuroblastoma. The study monitored doses of 13-cisRA based on individual patient drug exposure to help reduce variation of effects of the drug previously seen in patients (inter-patient PK variation).  This compared with pharmacogenetic information could help optimise treatments for children with neuroblastoma.

The Newcastle ECMC now seeks to expand their portfolio of studies for adults and children to include investigation of pharmacogenetic impact.

Veal, G.J. et. al. Clin Cancer Res. 2013 Jan 15;19(2):469-79.