CNIO associates rare gene variants with side effects from chemotherapy with paclitaxel

(Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncologicas (CNIO)) Variants of the CYP3A4 gene are associated with the appearance of peripheral neuropathy, the most frequent and limiting toxicity for these patients, which includes tingling and pain in the extremities, cramping, muscular weakness and difficulty walking. This is the first genetic marker that predicts severe paclitaxel neurotoxicity, which would allow for the individualization of therapies for this patient group. One out of every 35 people in Spain carries these variants, a frequency higher than populations in other geographical areas.
Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news