Pharmacogenomic Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Variants As Predictors of Toxicity Phenotypes in the Treatment of Acute Childhood Leukemia

Introduction: Despite cure rates in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) exceeding 90% in clinical trials, morbidity due to drug toxicities is high. Genetic polymorphisms can influence gene expression and activity, impacting pharmacokinetics and causing inter-individual variation in drug levels, which contributes to toxicity if levels are high or relapse if levels are low. We hypothesize that pharmacogenomic testing will identify patient specific variations in genes involved in metabolism of cytotoxic agents. This knowledge will allow clinicians to optimize therapy by providing pharmacogenomics based biomarkers related to increased toxicities. Data has shown that treatment interruptions and omissions due to toxicities affect outcomes and morbidities in children with cancer.