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Impacts of Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) Genetic Polymorphism in Tamoxifen Therapy for Breast Cancer Impactos do polimorfismo genético do citocromo P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) na terapia com tamoxifeno para câncer de mama

Abstract

Tamoxifen (TMX) is the main drug used both in pre and postmenopausal women as adjuvant treatment for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. An important barrier to the use of TMXis the development ofdrug resistance causedby molecular processes related to genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, such as the actions of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) polymorphisms and of its metabolites. The present study aimed to review recent findings related to the impact of CYP2D6 polymorphisms and how they can affect the results of TMX in breast cancer treatment. The keywords CYP2D6, tamoxifen, and breast cancer were searched in the PubMed, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, Scielo, and Bireme databases. Studies related to other types of neoplasms or based on other isoenzymes from cytochrome P450, but not on CYP2D6, were excluded. The impact of CYP2D6 polymorphisms in the TMX resistance mechanism remains unclear. The CYP2D6 gene seems to contribute to decreasing the efficacy of TMX, while the main mechanism responsible for therapy failure, morbidity, and mortality is the progression of the disease.

Keywords:
cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6; polymorphism genetic; tamoxifen; breast neoplasms; therapeutic uses

Resumo

Otamoxifeno é a principal drogaque pode ser utilizada comotratamentohormonal adjuvante empacientesportadoras de câncer demamareceptor hormonal positivotanto na pré- quanto na pós-menopausa.Umadasmaiores barreirasemseu uso é o desenvolvimento de resistência medicamentosa causada por meio de processos moleculares relacionados a mecanismos genéticos e epigenéticos, como a ação dos polimorfismos do gene citocromo P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) e seus metabólitos.Opresente estudo busca revisar as descobertas recentes acerca dos impactos dos polimorfismos do gene CYP2D6 e de como eles podem afetar os resultados do tamoxifeno na terapêutica do câncer de mama. As palavras-chave CYP2D6, tamoxifeno e câncer de mama foram buscadas nas bases de dados Pubmed, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, Scielo e Bireme. Estudos relacionados com outros tipos de câncer ou relacionados a outras isoenzimas do citocromo P450 que não o CYP2D6 foram excluídos. O impacto do polimorfismo do CYP2D6 nos mecanismos de resistência ao tamoxifeno permanecem controversos. O gene CYP2D6 parece reduzir a eficácia do TMX; entretanto, os principais fatores associados a falha terapêutica são morbimortalidade e a progressão da doença

Palavras-chave:
citocromo P-450 CYP2D6; polimorfismo genético; tamoxifeno; neoplasias da mama; usos terapêuticos

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm among women worldwide, except for skin cancers, accounting for 31% of the cancer cases, and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in females.11 Shagufta AI, Ahmad I. Tamoxifen a pioneering drug: An update on the therapeutic potential of tamoxifen derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2018;143:515-531 Doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.11.056
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.11...
22 Jahangiri R, Mosaffa F, Emami Razavi A, Teimoori-Toolabi L, Jamialahmadi K. Altered DNA methyltransferases promoter methylation and mRNA expression are associated with tamoxifen response in breast tumors. J Cell Physiol 2018;233(09):7305-7319 Doi: 10.1 002/jcp.26562
https://doi.org/10.1...
Breast cancer is an important cause of mortality and morbidity, particularly due to its propensity to metastasize to distant sites such as the liver, the lungs, the brain, and the bones.33 Shah N, Mohammad AS, Saralkar P, et al. Investigational chemotherapy and novel pharmacokinetic mechanisms for the treatment of breast cancer brain metastases. Pharmacol Res 2018; 132:47-68 Doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.03.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2018.03.0...
44 Allan AL, Vantyghem SA, Tuck AB, Chambers AF. Tumor dormancy and cancer stem cells: implications for the biology and treatment of breast cancer metastasis. Breast Dis 2006-2007-2007; 26:87-98 Doi: 10.3233/BD-2007-26108
https://doi.org/10.3233/BD-2007-26108...
Many therapies have been studied in the last few years to improve the prognosis and to decrease mortality. In general, adjuvant therapy for breast cancer is used after considering the patient age, tumor staging, biological factors, and tumor volume. These therapies include surgery, hormonal therapy (such as tamoxifen [TMX], toremifene, and raloxifene), anti-HER2 drugs, and chemotherapy.55 Souza RDM, Martins DMF, Chein MBC, Brito LMO. Importância do CYP2D6 em usuárias de tamoxifeno no câncer de mama. Femina 2011;39:267-274 66 Draganescu M, Carmocan C. Hormone therapy in breast cancer. Chirurgia (Bucur) 2017;112(04):413-417 Doi: 10.21614/chirurgia. 112.4.413
https://doi.org/10.21614/chirurgia...

For hormone receptor-positive breast neoplasms, hormonal therapy is mandatory.66 Draganescu M, Carmocan C. Hormone therapy in breast cancer. Chirurgia (Bucur) 2017;112(04):413-417 Doi: 10.21614/chirurgia. 112.4.413
https://doi.org/10.21614/chirurgia...
77 Abdel-Hafiz HA. Epigenetic mechanisms of tamoxifen resistance in luminal breast cancer. Diseases 2017;5(03):E16 Doi: 10.3390/ diseases5030016
https://doi.org/10.3390/...
88 Fleeman N, Payne K, Newman WG, et al. Are health technology assessments of pharmacogenetic tests feasible? A case study of CYP2D6 testing in the treatment of breast cancer with tamoxifen. Per Med 2013;10(06):601-611 Doi: 10.2217/pme.13.60
https://doi.org/10.2217/pme.13.60...
Among the available options, TMX is the main adjuvant hormonal therapy used in pre and postmenopausal patients. Third-generation aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane) are only used in postmenopausal patients, but can be used to replace TMX due to their better tolerability and safety.11 Shagufta AI, Ahmad I. Tamoxifen a pioneering drug: An update on the therapeutic potential of tamoxifen derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2018;143:515-531 Doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.11.056
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.11...
66 Draganescu M, Carmocan C. Hormone therapy in breast cancer. Chirurgia (Bucur) 2017;112(04):413-417 Doi: 10.21614/chirurgia. 112.4.413
https://doi.org/10.21614/chirurgia...
Considering that 70% of the breast neoplasms are estrogen receptor-positive (ER + ), the use of TMX is commonly recommended as the first choice hormonal therapy for breast cancer.22 Jahangiri R, Mosaffa F, Emami Razavi A, Teimoori-Toolabi L, Jamialahmadi K. Altered DNA methyltransferases promoter methylation and mRNA expression are associated with tamoxifen response in breast tumors. J Cell Physiol 2018;233(09):7305-7319 Doi: 10.1 002/jcp.26562
https://doi.org/10.1...
55 Souza RDM, Martins DMF, Chein MBC, Brito LMO. Importância do CYP2D6 em usuárias de tamoxifeno no câncer de mama. Femina 2011;39:267-274 77 Abdel-Hafiz HA. Epigenetic mechanisms of tamoxifen resistance in luminal breast cancer. Diseases 2017;5(03):E16 Doi: 10.3390/ diseases5030016
https://doi.org/10.3390/...

An important limitation to the use of TMX therapy is the development of drug resistance, which occurs in between 30 and 50% of the cases and may result from complex epigenetic mechanisms, response to stress, inhibition of Bcl-2 family-regulated apoptosis, autophagy, and pharmacologic mechanisms.22 Jahangiri R, Mosaffa F, Emami Razavi A, Teimoori-Toolabi L, Jamialahmadi K. Altered DNA methyltransferases promoter methylation and mRNA expression are associated with tamoxifen response in breast tumors. J Cell Physiol 2018;233(09):7305-7319 Doi: 10.1 002/jcp.26562
https://doi.org/10.1...
99 Bachelot T, Bourgier C, Cropet C, et al. Randomized phase II trial of everolimus in combination with tamoxifen in patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer with prior exposure to aromatase inhibitors: a GINECO study. J Clin Oncol 2012;30 (22):2718-2724 Doi: 10.1200/JCO.2011.39.0708
https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2011.39.0708...
1010 Bekele RT, Venkatraman G, Liu RZ, et al. Oxidative stress contributes to the tamoxifen-induced killing of breast cancer cells: implications for tamoxifen therapy and resistance. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21164 Doi: 10.1038/srep21164
https://doi.org/10.1038/srep21164...
1111 Viedma-Rodríguez R, Baiza-Gutman L, Salamanca-Gómez F, et al. Mechanisms associated with resistance to tamoxifen in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (review). Oncol Rep 2014;32(01): 3-15 Doi: 10.3892/or.2014.3190
https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2014.3190...
The biotransformation of TMX is mediated by isoenzymes from the cytochrome P450, particularly CYP3A4, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6; however, the resistance mechanism is also related to phase II metabolism and to ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters.1212 Thota K, Prasad K, Basaveswara Rao MV. Detection of cytochrome p450 polymorphisms in breast cancer patients may impact on tamoxifen therapy. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018;19(02):343-350 Doi: 10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2.343
https://doi.org/10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2...
1313 Hansten PD. The Underrated Risks of Tamoxifen Drug Interactions. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2018;43(05):495-508 Doi: 10.1007/s13318-018-0475-9
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13318-018-0475-...

The cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily D member 6 (CYP2D6) gene is present in the chromosome 22q13.1 and is responsible for the metabolism of many drugs, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and opioids.55 Souza RDM, Martins DMF, Chein MBC, Brito LMO. Importância do CYP2D6 em usuárias de tamoxifeno no câncer de mama. Femina 2011;39:267-274 1414 Lyon E, Gastier Foster J, Palomaki GE, et al; working group of the Molecular Genetics Subcommittee on behalf of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics ACMG) Laboratory Quality Assurance Committee. Laboratory testing of CYP2D6 alleles in relation to tamoxifen therapy. Genet Med 2012;14 (12):990-1000 Doi: 10.1038/gim.2012.108
https://doi.org/10.1038/gim.2012.108...
This enzyme plays a major role in converting TMX into active metabolites, such as 4-hydroxy-N-desmethyltamoxifen (endoxifen), which appears to be inhibited when CYP2D6 inhibitors or TMX are used.55 Souza RDM, Martins DMF, Chein MBC, Brito LMO. Importância do CYP2D6 em usuárias de tamoxifeno no câncer de mama. Femina 2011;39:267-274 1212 Thota K, Prasad K, Basaveswara Rao MV. Detection of cytochrome p450 polymorphisms in breast cancer patients may impact on tamoxifen therapy. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018;19(02):343-350 Doi: 10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2.343
https://doi.org/10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2...
1313 Hansten PD. The Underrated Risks of Tamoxifen Drug Interactions. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2018;43(05):495-508 Doi: 10.1007/s13318-018-0475-9
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13318-018-0475-...

To date, over 300 variants of the CYP2D6 gene have been described. According to their different enzyme activities, the CYP2D6 alleles are classified into functional alleles, reduced function alleles, and non-functional alleles.1212 Thota K, Prasad K, Basaveswara Rao MV. Detection of cytochrome p450 polymorphisms in breast cancer patients may impact on tamoxifen therapy. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018;19(02):343-350 Doi: 10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2.343
https://doi.org/10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2...
1515 Chin FW, Chan SC, Abdul Rahman S, Noor Akmal S, Rosli R. CYP2D6 Genetic polymorphisms and phenotypes in different ethnicities of Malaysian breast cancer patients. Breast J 2016; 22(01):54-62 Doi: 10.1111/tbj.12518
https://doi.org/10.1111/tbj.12518...
The type of CYP2D6 polymorphism varies according to the population analyzed. The gene CYP2D6*4 is more common in Caucasians, CYP2D6*10 in Asian subjects, and CYP2D6*5 in African-Americans.55 Souza RDM, Martins DMF, Chein MBC, Brito LMO. Importância do CYP2D6 em usuárias de tamoxifeno no câncer de mama. Femina 2011;39:267-274 1616 Lan B, Ma F, Zhai X, et al. The relationship between the CYP2D6 polymorphisms and tamoxifen efficacy in adjuvant endocrine therapy of breast cancer patients in Chinese Han population. Int J Cancer 2018;143(01):184-189 Doi: 10.1002/ijc.31291
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.31291...
The development of new drugs and therapy adjustments strongly depends on pharmacogenomics studies, which have examined the role of TMX in the physiopathology and in the resistance mechanisms of breast cancer.1717 Wellmann R, Borden BA, Danahey K, et al. Analyzing the clinical actionability of germline pharmacogenomic findings in oncology. Cancer 2018;124(14):3052-3065 Doi: 10.1002/cncr.31382
https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.31382...

The highly polymorphic CYP2D6 gene encodes the principal enzyme of TMX biotransformation to its major active metabolite, endoxifen.1818 Del Re M, Rofi E, Citi V, Fidilio L, Danesi R. Should CYP2D6 be genotyped when treating with tamoxifen? Pharmacogenomics 2016;17(18):1967-1969 Doi: 10.2217/pgs-2016-0162
https://doi.org/10.2217/pgs-2016-0162...
Some genotypes, such as CYP2D6*4/*4, have been associated with a higher risk of disease relapse and with a lower incidence of adverse drug reactions due to the lower metabolic activation of TMX to endoxifen.1919 Goetz MP, Kamal A, Ames MM. Tamoxifen pharmacogenomics: the role of CYP2D6 as a predictor of drug response. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2008;83(01):160-166 Doi: 10.1038/sj.clpt.6100367
https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.clpt.6100367...
Endoxifen is therefore considered a key metabolite in the modulation of the estrogen receptor pathway.

The association of CYP2D6 gene polymorphisms with the efficacy of TMX in early-stage breast cancer patients has been assessed in numerous studies, with conflicting results; a notable exception is a complete gene deletion, or alleles with a complete loss of function (such as CYP2D6*4). Some studies have shown no alterations in the efficacy of TMX in patients with breast cancer carrying the CYP2D6 gene polymorphism in terms of recurrence and overall survival,1212 Thota K, Prasad K, Basaveswara Rao MV. Detection of cytochrome p450 polymorphisms in breast cancer patients may impact on tamoxifen therapy. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018;19(02):343-350 Doi: 10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2.343
https://doi.org/10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2...
2020 Monteagudo E, Gándola Y, González L, Bregni C, Carlucci AM. Development, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of tamoxifen microemulsions. J Drug Deliv 2012;2012:236713 Doi:10.1155/2012/236713
https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/236713...
2121 Khan BA, Robinson R, Fohner AE, et al. Cytochrome P450 genetic variation associated with tamoxifen biotransformation in American Indian and Alaska native people. Clin Transl Sci 2018;11(03): 312-321 Doi: 10.1111/cts.12542
https://doi.org/10.1111/cts.12542...
while other studies demonstrated that CYP2D6 gene polymorphisms (especially *3, *4, and *6) significantly affected the efficacy of TMX.2222 Wegman P, Vainikka L, Stål O, et al. Genotype of metabolic enzymes and the benefit of tamoxifen in postmenopausal breast cancer patients. Breast Cancer Res 2005;7(03):R284-R290 Doi: 10.1186/bcr993
https://doi.org/10.1186/bcr993...
2323 Nowell SA, Ahn J, Rae JM, et al. Association of genetic variation in tamoxifen-metabolizing enzymes with overall survival and recurrence of disease in breast cancer patients. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2005;91(03):249-258 Doi: 10.1007/s10549-004-7751-x
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-004-7751-...
2424 Hertz DL, Kidwell KM, Hilsenbeck SG, et al. CYP2D6 genotype is not associated with survival in breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen: results from a population-based study. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017;166(01):277-287 Doi: 10.1007/s10549-017-4400-8
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-017-4400-...
Because of these controversial results, available recommendations do not suggest the use of CYP2D6 genetic testing to select the best endocrine therapy regimen for patients.1818 Del Re M, Rofi E, Citi V, Fidilio L, Danesi R. Should CYP2D6 be genotyped when treating with tamoxifen? Pharmacogenomics 2016;17(18):1967-1969 Doi: 10.2217/pgs-2016-0162
https://doi.org/10.2217/pgs-2016-0162...

Considering previous studies of the role of CYP2D6 polymorphisms in the TMX resistance mechanism and in the pharmacokinetics of its active metabolite, including CYP2D6 allele heterogeneity among different populations, the present study was conducted to analyze how mutations in the CYP2D6 gene affect patients undergoing breast cancer therapy with TMX.1313 Hansten PD. The Underrated Risks of Tamoxifen Drug Interactions. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2018;43(05):495-508 Doi: 10.1007/s13318-018-0475-9
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13318-018-0475-...
2525 Teh LK, Mohamed NI, Salleh MZ, et al. The risk of recurrence in breast cancer patients treatedwith tamoxifen: polymorphisms of CYP2D6 and ABCB1. AAPS J 2012;14(01):52-59 Doi: 10.1208/ s12248-011-9313-6
https://doi.org/10.1208/...

Methods

A narrative review of the presence of CYP2D6 polymorphisms and how they affect the results of TMX therapy for breast cancer was conducted.

The research was conducted accessing the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, Scielo, and Bireme, using a combination of the terms CYP2D6, tamoxifen, and breast cancer. Only original articles, systematic reviews, and metanalyses published between 1998 and 2018 were included. Articles in English, Spanish, or Portuguese were analyzed.

Studies evaluating the effect of CYP2D6 polymorphisms in patients with breast neoplasms in all age groups were included. Studies related to other types of neoplasms or based on isoenzymes from the cytochrome P450 other than CYP2D6 were excluded.

The abstract found in the databases were screened by two distinct researchers against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Full-text articles were retrieved and analyzed to produce the present review. Conflicts were solved by a third independent author.

The results of the present review were grouped according to four main topics: pharmacological properties of TMX, ethnic characteristics of CYP2D6 alleles, CYP2D6 polymorphisms and TMX efficacy, and TMX association with other therapies.

Pharmacological Properties of Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen is considered a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) drug and is a derivative of triphenylethylene.22 Jahangiri R, Mosaffa F, Emami Razavi A, Teimoori-Toolabi L, Jamialahmadi K. Altered DNA methyltransferases promoter methylation and mRNA expression are associated with tamoxifen response in breast tumors. J Cell Physiol 2018;233(09):7305-7319 Doi: 10.1 002/jcp.26562
https://doi.org/10.1...
2020 Monteagudo E, Gándola Y, González L, Bregni C, Carlucci AM. Development, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of tamoxifen microemulsions. J Drug Deliv 2012;2012:236713 Doi:10.1155/2012/236713
https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/236713...
Competition by TMX and its metabolites with estradiol for the occupancy of the estrogen receptor, which blocks estradiol-mediated cellular proliferation, is considered as one of the major mechanisms of the pharmacological action of TMX.2323 Nowell SA, Ahn J, Rae JM, et al. Association of genetic variation in tamoxifen-metabolizing enzymes with overall survival and recurrence of disease in breast cancer patients. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2005;91(03):249-258 Doi: 10.1007/s10549-004-7751-x
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-004-7751-...
The actions of TMX can be explained by oxidative stress mechanisms that inhibit protein kinase C (PKC), modulate transforming growth factor-β expression, and induce c-myc expression, which causes inhibition of malignant cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle and inducing the apoptosis of breast cancer cells.1010 Bekele RT, Venkatraman G, Liu RZ, et al. Oxidative stress contributes to the tamoxifen-induced killing of breast cancer cells: implications for tamoxifen therapy and resistance. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21164 Doi: 10.1038/srep21164
https://doi.org/10.1038/srep21164...
1111 Viedma-Rodríguez R, Baiza-Gutman L, Salamanca-Gómez F, et al. Mechanisms associated with resistance to tamoxifen in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (review). Oncol Rep 2014;32(01): 3-15 Doi: 10.3892/or.2014.3190
https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2014.3190...

Similarly to other SERMs, TMX reduces estrogen levels or blocks the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) signaling pathway.11 Shagufta AI, Ahmad I. Tamoxifen a pioneering drug: An update on the therapeutic potential of tamoxifen derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2018;143:515-531 Doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.11.056
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.11...
22 Jahangiri R, Mosaffa F, Emami Razavi A, Teimoori-Toolabi L, Jamialahmadi K. Altered DNA methyltransferases promoter methylation and mRNA expression are associated with tamoxifen response in breast tumors. J Cell Physiol 2018;233(09):7305-7319 Doi: 10.1 002/jcp.26562
https://doi.org/10.1...
It is well-known that TMX can be used as therapy for many health conditions beyond breast cancer, such as gynecomastia, infertility, osteoporosis, neurodegenerative diseases, retroperitoneal fibrosis, and idiopathic sclerosing mesenteritis.11 Shagufta AI, Ahmad I. Tamoxifen a pioneering drug: An update on the therapeutic potential of tamoxifen derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2018;143:515-531 Doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.11.056
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.11...
1111 Viedma-Rodríguez R, Baiza-Gutman L, Salamanca-Gómez F, et al. Mechanisms associated with resistance to tamoxifen in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (review). Oncol Rep 2014;32(01): 3-15 Doi: 10.3892/or.2014.3190
https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2014.3190...
In the endometrial tissue, TMX increases the risk of endometrial cancer by 2.5-fold due to its estrogen agonism and increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and of polyp formation.2626 Dean L. Tamoxifen therapy and CYP2D6 genotype. In: Pratt V, McLeod H, RubinsteinW, et al., eds. Medical Genetics Summaries. Bethesda, MD: National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2014:1-12https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK247013/pdf /Bookshelf_NBK247013.pdf. Accessed November 12, 2017.

Through the action of different enzymes, such as CYP2D6, TMX is converted into three active metabolites: N-Desmethyltamoxifen, 4-Hydroxytamoxifen, and endoxifen (Fig. 1).11 Shagufta AI, Ahmad I. Tamoxifen a pioneering drug: An update on the therapeutic potential of tamoxifen derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2018;143:515-531 Doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.11.056
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.11...
2727 Moyer AM, Suman VJ,Weinshilboum RM, et al. SULT1A1, CYP2C19 and disease-free survival in early breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen. Pharmacogenomics 2011;12(11):1535-1543 Doi: 10.22 17/pgs.11.97
https://doi.org/10.22...
4-Hydroxytamoxifen and, particularly, endoxifen, are more potent than TMX itself. Endoxifen is the major molecule responsible for the pharmacological effects of the drug.55 Souza RDM, Martins DMF, Chein MBC, Brito LMO. Importância do CYP2D6 em usuárias de tamoxifeno no câncer de mama. Femina 2011;39:267-274 1212 Thota K, Prasad K, Basaveswara Rao MV. Detection of cytochrome p450 polymorphisms in breast cancer patients may impact on tamoxifen therapy. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018;19(02):343-350 Doi: 10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2.343
https://doi.org/10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2...
2121 Khan BA, Robinson R, Fohner AE, et al. Cytochrome P450 genetic variation associated with tamoxifen biotransformation in American Indian and Alaska native people. Clin Transl Sci 2018;11(03): 312-321 Doi: 10.1111/cts.12542
https://doi.org/10.1111/cts.12542...
2727 Moyer AM, Suman VJ,Weinshilboum RM, et al. SULT1A1, CYP2C19 and disease-free survival in early breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen. Pharmacogenomics 2011;12(11):1535-1543 Doi: 10.22 17/pgs.11.97
https://doi.org/10.22...
The presence of functional CYP2D6 alleles is required to ensure the presence of high plasma levels of endoxifen.2626 Dean L. Tamoxifen therapy and CYP2D6 genotype. In: Pratt V, McLeod H, RubinsteinW, et al., eds. Medical Genetics Summaries. Bethesda, MD: National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2014:1-12https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK247013/pdf /Bookshelf_NBK247013.pdf. Accessed November 12, 2017. As demonstrated, endoxifen concentrations are considerably lower in women with lower CYP2D6 activity.1919 Goetz MP, Kamal A, Ames MM. Tamoxifen pharmacogenomics: the role of CYP2D6 as a predictor of drug response. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2008;83(01):160-166 Doi: 10.1038/sj.clpt.6100367
https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.clpt.6100367...
2727 Moyer AM, Suman VJ,Weinshilboum RM, et al. SULT1A1, CYP2C19 and disease-free survival in early breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen. Pharmacogenomics 2011;12(11):1535-1543 Doi: 10.22 17/pgs.11.97
https://doi.org/10.22...

Fig. 1
Main tamoxifen active metabolites according to the isoenzymes responsible for its biotransformation process.

Tamoxifen is metabolized in the liver by specific phase I and phase II enzymes.2626 Dean L. Tamoxifen therapy and CYP2D6 genotype. In: Pratt V, McLeod H, RubinsteinW, et al., eds. Medical Genetics Summaries. Bethesda, MD: National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2014:1-12https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK247013/pdf /Bookshelf_NBK247013.pdf. Accessed November 12, 2017. 2828 Kiyotani K, Mushiroda T, Nakamura Y, Zembutsu H. Pharmacogenomics of tamoxifen: roles of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2012;27(01):122-131 Doi: 10.2133/dmpk.DMPK-11-RV-084
https://doi.org/10.2133/dmpk.DMPK-11-RV-...
N-Desmethyltamoxifen is responsible for ∼ 92% of TMX oxidation during the primary metabolism. In the secondary metabolism, the biotransformation of TMX to endoxifen is exclusively catalyzed by CYP2D6 and mainly by the CYP3A subfamily in all other biochemical routes (as shown in Fig. 1).1919 Goetz MP, Kamal A, Ames MM. Tamoxifen pharmacogenomics: the role of CYP2D6 as a predictor of drug response. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2008;83(01):160-166 Doi: 10.1038/sj.clpt.6100367
https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.clpt.6100367...

Ethnic Characteristics of CYP2D6 Alleles

According to the literature, the most prevalent variant alleles of the CYP2D6 gene are comparable between different ethnicities, considering that the sample of patients did not present large variations in their characteristics for each population evaluated (Table 1).55 Souza RDM, Martins DMF, Chein MBC, Brito LMO. Importância do CYP2D6 em usuárias de tamoxifeno no câncer de mama. Femina 2011;39:267-274 1414 Lyon E, Gastier Foster J, Palomaki GE, et al; working group of the Molecular Genetics Subcommittee on behalf of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics ACMG) Laboratory Quality Assurance Committee. Laboratory testing of CYP2D6 alleles in relation to tamoxifen therapy. Genet Med 2012;14 (12):990-1000 Doi: 10.1038/gim.2012.108
https://doi.org/10.1038/gim.2012.108...
1515 Chin FW, Chan SC, Abdul Rahman S, Noor Akmal S, Rosli R. CYP2D6 Genetic polymorphisms and phenotypes in different ethnicities of Malaysian breast cancer patients. Breast J 2016; 22(01):54-62 Doi: 10.1111/tbj.12518
https://doi.org/10.1111/tbj.12518...
1919 Goetz MP, Kamal A, Ames MM. Tamoxifen pharmacogenomics: the role of CYP2D6 as a predictor of drug response. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2008;83(01):160-166 Doi: 10.1038/sj.clpt.6100367
https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.clpt.6100367...
2121 Khan BA, Robinson R, Fohner AE, et al. Cytochrome P450 genetic variation associated with tamoxifen biotransformation in American Indian and Alaska native people. Clin Transl Sci 2018;11(03): 312-321 Doi: 10.1111/cts.12542
https://doi.org/10.1111/cts.12542...
2828 Kiyotani K, Mushiroda T, Nakamura Y, Zembutsu H. Pharmacogenomics of tamoxifen: roles of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2012;27(01):122-131 Doi: 10.2133/dmpk.DMPK-11-RV-084
https://doi.org/10.2133/dmpk.DMPK-11-RV-...
2929 Lim JSL, Chen XA, Singh O, et al. Impact of CYP2D6, CYP3A5, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms on tamoxifen pharmacokinetics in Asian breast cancer patients. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2011; 71(05):737-750 Doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.03905.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011...
Many ethnic groups remain misrepresented.

Table 1
CYP2D6 most frequent alleles according to different populations

In a study evaluating CYP2D6 polymorphisms in a Chinese population, 778 patients receiving TMX (20 mg/day) or aromatase inhibitors (40 mg/day) were evaluated.1616 Lan B, Ma F, Zhai X, et al. The relationship between the CYP2D6 polymorphisms and tamoxifen efficacy in adjuvant endocrine therapy of breast cancer patients in Chinese Han population. Int J Cancer 2018;143(01):184-189 Doi: 10.1002/ijc.31291
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.31291...
According to the literature, CYP2D6*10 was the most common polymorphism detected, and it was significantly associated with 5-year disease-free survival, which was the time between surgery and recurrence or death in the group who received TMX (325 patients). The age at diagnosis, the T stage, the N stage, the clinical stage, and the tumor grade showed no significant associations.55 Souza RDM, Martins DMF, Chein MBC, Brito LMO. Importância do CYP2D6 em usuárias de tamoxifeno no câncer de mama. Femina 2011;39:267-274 1212 Thota K, Prasad K, Basaveswara Rao MV. Detection of cytochrome p450 polymorphisms in breast cancer patients may impact on tamoxifen therapy. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018;19(02):343-350 Doi: 10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2.343
https://doi.org/10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2...
1616 Lan B, Ma F, Zhai X, et al. The relationship between the CYP2D6 polymorphisms and tamoxifen efficacy in adjuvant endocrine therapy of breast cancer patients in Chinese Han population. Int J Cancer 2018;143(01):184-189 Doi: 10.1002/ijc.31291
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.31291...

According to another study examining an Asian population composed of Chinese, Malay, and Indian subjects (76 of each), the allelic frequencies of CYP2D6*10 and of CYP2D6*5 were respectively 5-fold and 2-fold higher in the healthy Chinese and Malay populations compared with in the Indian population.2929 Lim JSL, Chen XA, Singh O, et al. Impact of CYP2D6, CYP3A5, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms on tamoxifen pharmacokinetics in Asian breast cancer patients. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2011; 71(05):737-750 Doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.03905.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011...
In contrast, the Indian and Malay populations showed significantly higher frequencies of CYP2D6*41 compared with the Chinese population.1515 Chin FW, Chan SC, Abdul Rahman S, Noor Akmal S, Rosli R. CYP2D6 Genetic polymorphisms and phenotypes in different ethnicities of Malaysian breast cancer patients. Breast J 2016; 22(01):54-62 Doi: 10.1111/tbj.12518
https://doi.org/10.1111/tbj.12518...

The CYP2D6 polymorphisms were evaluated in an American Indian and Alaska Native population in a convenience sample of 380 subjects from the Southcentral Foundation and other 187 subjects from the University of Montana and of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.2121 Khan BA, Robinson R, Fohner AE, et al. Cytochrome P450 genetic variation associated with tamoxifen biotransformation in American Indian and Alaska native people. Clin Transl Sci 2018;11(03): 312-321 Doi: 10.1111/cts.12542
https://doi.org/10.1111/cts.12542...
This cohort study showed that CYP2D6*1 (45.21%) and CYP2D6*2 (26.6%) were the most common alleles identified in the Southcentral Foundation population.

The CYP2D6*41 allele was the most common in the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes population, but showed reduced activity.2121 Khan BA, Robinson R, Fohner AE, et al. Cytochrome P450 genetic variation associated with tamoxifen biotransformation in American Indian and Alaska native people. Clin Transl Sci 2018;11(03): 312-321 Doi: 10.1111/cts.12542
https://doi.org/10.1111/cts.12542...
The allele induced a non-significant increased plasmatic concentration of N-Desmethyltamoxifen and reduced the plasmatic concentration of endoxifen.2929 Lim JSL, Chen XA, Singh O, et al. Impact of CYP2D6, CYP3A5, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms on tamoxifen pharmacokinetics in Asian breast cancer patients. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2011; 71(05):737-750 Doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.03905.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011...

CYP2D6 Polymorphisms and Tamoxifen Efficacy

The prevalence of breast cancer was found to be associated with CYP2 gene polymorphisms in a study examining the prevalence of the most common allelic variants from CYP2D6 (CYP2D6*4, CYP2D6*10, CYP3A5*3, and CYP2C19*2).1212 Thota K, Prasad K, Basaveswara Rao MV. Detection of cytochrome p450 polymorphisms in breast cancer patients may impact on tamoxifen therapy. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018;19(02):343-350 Doi: 10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2.343
https://doi.org/10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2...
In 128 patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer, a significant difference in the frequencies of genotype was found between the therapy and control groups (p= 0.01); the prevalent genotypes were AA (88%) on CYP3A5*3, GG (88%) on CYP2C19*2, CC (75%) on CYP2D6*10, and EM (79%) on CYP2D6*4.

The CYP2D6 gene was the major contributor to significant associations between genetic variation and TMX metabolism.2121 Khan BA, Robinson R, Fohner AE, et al. Cytochrome P450 genetic variation associated with tamoxifen biotransformation in American Indian and Alaska native people. Clin Transl Sci 2018;11(03): 312-321 Doi: 10.1111/cts.12542
https://doi.org/10.1111/cts.12542...
2727 Moyer AM, Suman VJ,Weinshilboum RM, et al. SULT1A1, CYP2C19 and disease-free survival in early breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen. Pharmacogenomics 2011;12(11):1535-1543 Doi: 10.22 17/pgs.11.97
https://doi.org/10.22...
2929 Lim JSL, Chen XA, Singh O, et al. Impact of CYP2D6, CYP3A5, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms on tamoxifen pharmacokinetics in Asian breast cancer patients. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2011; 71(05):737-750 Doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.03905.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011...
The CYP2D6 variation was significantly associated with plasma endoxifen (p= 0.0010) levels and with the endoxifen/TMX metabolic ratio (p= 4.4 × 10−7), particularly CYP2D6*5 and CYP2D6*10.2121 Khan BA, Robinson R, Fohner AE, et al. Cytochrome P450 genetic variation associated with tamoxifen biotransformation in American Indian and Alaska native people. Clin Transl Sci 2018;11(03): 312-321 Doi: 10.1111/cts.12542
https://doi.org/10.1111/cts.12542...
2929 Lim JSL, Chen XA, Singh O, et al. Impact of CYP2D6, CYP3A5, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms on tamoxifen pharmacokinetics in Asian breast cancer patients. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2011; 71(05):737-750 Doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.03905.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011...
Caucasian patients carrying the CYP2D6*4 allele had a significantly increased risk of recurrence of breast cancer.2525 Teh LK, Mohamed NI, Salleh MZ, et al. The risk of recurrence in breast cancer patients treatedwith tamoxifen: polymorphisms of CYP2D6 and ABCB1. AAPS J 2012;14(01):52-59 Doi: 10.1208/ s12248-011-9313-6
https://doi.org/10.1208/...
Two large studies found no association between the CYP2D6 genotype and clinical outcome, revealing controversial results for the role of CYP2D6 in the TMX resistance mechanism.1616 Lan B, Ma F, Zhai X, et al. The relationship between the CYP2D6 polymorphisms and tamoxifen efficacy in adjuvant endocrine therapy of breast cancer patients in Chinese Han population. Int J Cancer 2018;143(01):184-189 Doi: 10.1002/ijc.31291
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.31291...
2828 Kiyotani K, Mushiroda T, Nakamura Y, Zembutsu H. Pharmacogenomics of tamoxifen: roles of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2012;27(01):122-131 Doi: 10.2133/dmpk.DMPK-11-RV-084
https://doi.org/10.2133/dmpk.DMPK-11-RV-...

A few studies found no significant difference between poor, intermediate, and extensive metabolizer genotypes and recurrence or metastasis. However, CYP2D6*10/*10 and heterozygous null alleles appeared to decrease the metabolism of TMX and to produce less pharmacologically active TMX metabolites, resulting in a higher risk of recurrence and metastasis.2525 Teh LK, Mohamed NI, Salleh MZ, et al. The risk of recurrence in breast cancer patients treatedwith tamoxifen: polymorphisms of CYP2D6 and ABCB1. AAPS J 2012;14(01):52-59 Doi: 10.1208/ s12248-011-9313-6
https://doi.org/10.1208/...
3030 Motamedi S, Majidzadeh K, Mazaheri M, Anbiaie R, Mortazavizadeh SMR, Esmaeili R. Tamoxifen resistance and CYP2D6 copy numbers in breast cancer patients. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2012; 13(12):6101-6104

Zembutsu et al3131 Zembutsu H, Nakamura S, Akashi-Tanaka S, et al. Significant effect of polymorphisms in CYP2D6 on response to tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer: a prospective multicenter study. Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(08):2019-2026 Doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-16-1779
https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-16...
reported a significant effect of the CYP2D6 polymorphism on the response to TMX therapy in the first prospective study on this topic by examining a sample of 279 individuals. The clinical response in breast cancer tissues, measured as the Ki-67 expression levels, was significantly associated with TMX therapy. Particularly, patients with homozygous variant alleles showed a lower Ki-67 response than those carrying at least one wild-type allele.3131 Zembutsu H, Nakamura S, Akashi-Tanaka S, et al. Significant effect of polymorphisms in CYP2D6 on response to tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer: a prospective multicenter study. Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(08):2019-2026 Doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-16-1779
https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-16...

Divergent results were also described. A recent retrospective cohort of 957 subjects found no evidence of decreased TMX effectiveness in patients with CYP2D6 polymorphism phenotypes.2424 Hertz DL, Kidwell KM, Hilsenbeck SG, et al. CYP2D6 genotype is not associated with survival in breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen: results from a population-based study. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017;166(01):277-287 Doi: 10.1007/s10549-017-4400-8
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-017-4400-...
In contrast, after adjusting for clinical variables, a positive association between low CYP2D6 activity and superior TXM treatment outcomes was found, which is consistent with the results of two previous studies.2222 Wegman P, Vainikka L, Stål O, et al. Genotype of metabolic enzymes and the benefit of tamoxifen in postmenopausal breast cancer patients. Breast Cancer Res 2005;7(03):R284-R290 Doi: 10.1186/bcr993
https://doi.org/10.1186/bcr993...
2323 Nowell SA, Ahn J, Rae JM, et al. Association of genetic variation in tamoxifen-metabolizing enzymes with overall survival and recurrence of disease in breast cancer patients. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2005;91(03):249-258 Doi: 10.1007/s10549-004-7751-x
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-004-7751-...

An international randomized, phase III double-blind trial obtained tumor tissues and isolated the DNA from 4,861 postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer and found no association between CYP2D6 metabolism phenotypes and breast cancer-free interval among patients receiving tamoxifen monotherapy; effects were only observed in those who had undergone previous chemotherapy (p= 0.35).3232 Regan MM, Leyland-Jones B, BouzykM, et al; Breast International Group (BIG) 1-98 Collaborative Group. CYP2D6 genotype and tamoxifen response in postmenopausal women with endocrineresponsive breast cancer: the breast international group 1-98 trial. J Natl Cancer Inst 2012;104(06):441-451 Doi: 10.1093/jnci/ djs125
https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/...

In a study of a Brazilian population, an analysis of a cohort of 92 patients with hormone-sensitive breast carcinoma showed no significant association between phenotypes of intermediate and null metabolizers with breast cancer recurrence.3333 De Ameida Melo M, De Vasconcelos-Valença RJ, Neto FM, et al. CYP2D6 gene polymorphisms in Brazilian patients with breast cancer treated with adjuvant tamoxifen and its association with disease recurrence. Biomed Rep 2016;5(05):574-578 Doi: 10.3892 /br.2016.771
https://doi.org/10.3892...
The authors hypothesized that the lack of significance was related to the small patient sample, which is the main critique of previous studies showing a negative association. Table 2 summarizes the association measurements for the respective studies included in the present review.

Table 2
Association measurements for studies analyzing the effects of CYP2D6 on tamoxifen outcomes

Tamoxifen Association with Other Therapies

Most studies utilized only a dose of 20 mg/day of TMX to evaluate its effects on breast cancer. However, according to Facina et al (2003),3434 Facina G, Baracat EC, Lima GR, Gebrim LH. Effects of different tamoxifen doses on mammary epithelium proliferation. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet 2003;25:185-191 Doi: 10.1590/S0100-72032003 000300007
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-72032003...
a dose of 10 mg/day had antiproliferative effects on the mammary epithelium adjacent to the fibroadenoma in premenopausal women. Other studies did not describe the dose of TMX administered.1313 Hansten PD. The Underrated Risks of Tamoxifen Drug Interactions. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2018;43(05):495-508 Doi: 10.1007/s13318-018-0475-9
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13318-018-0475-...

In a phase II clinical trial known as TAMRAD (tamoxifen plus everolimus),99 Bachelot T, Bourgier C, Cropet C, et al. Randomized phase II trial of everolimus in combination with tamoxifen in patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer with prior exposure to aromatase inhibitors: a GINECO study. J Clin Oncol 2012;30 (22):2718-2724 Doi: 10.1200/JCO.2011.39.0708
https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2011.39.0708...
a comparison between everolimus (10 mg/day) plus TMX (20 mg/day) and TMX (20 mg/day) was performed. The study suggested an improvement in the overall survival following the combination treatment compared with treatment with TMX alone (p= 0.007).99 Bachelot T, Bourgier C, Cropet C, et al. Randomized phase II trial of everolimus in combination with tamoxifen in patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer with prior exposure to aromatase inhibitors: a GINECO study. J Clin Oncol 2012;30 (22):2718-2724 Doi: 10.1200/JCO.2011.39.0708
https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2011.39.0708...
3535 Reinert T, Barrios CH. Overall survival and progression-free survival with endocrine therapy for hormone receptor-positive, HER2- negative advanced breast cancer: review. reviewTher Adv Med Oncol 2017;9(11):693-709 Doi: 10.1177/1758834017728928
https://doi.org/10.1177/1758834017728928...
However, only 20% of the patients required a reduction on the dose of everolimus due to adverse effects, such as stomatitis, rash, thrombocytopenia, and pneumonitis. The study showed that TMX alone was not strongly associated with the development of adverse effects.99 Bachelot T, Bourgier C, Cropet C, et al. Randomized phase II trial of everolimus in combination with tamoxifen in patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer with prior exposure to aromatase inhibitors: a GINECO study. J Clin Oncol 2012;30 (22):2718-2724 Doi: 10.1200/JCO.2011.39.0708
https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2011.39.0708...

Tamoxifen (20 mg/day) therapy was associated with significantly increased overall survival compared with fulvestrant (250 mg/day) as the first-line therapy (hazard ratio = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.01–1.64; p= 0.04).3535 Reinert T, Barrios CH. Overall survival and progression-free survival with endocrine therapy for hormone receptor-positive, HER2- negative advanced breast cancer: review. reviewTher Adv Med Oncol 2017;9(11):693-709 Doi: 10.1177/1758834017728928
https://doi.org/10.1177/1758834017728928...

Three other studies evaluated the administration of TMX (20 mg/day) versus anastrozole (1 mg/day) and found no difference in the mortality range.3636 Bonneterre J, Thürlimann B, Robertson JF, et al. Anastrozole versus tamoxifen as first-line therapy for advanced breast cancer in 668 postmenopausal women: results of the Tamoxifen or Arimidex Randomized Group Efficacy and Tolerability study. J Clin Oncol 2000;18(22):3748-3757 Doi: 10.1200/JCO.2000.18.22.3748
https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2000.18.22.3...
3737 Bonneterre J, Buzdar A, Nabholtz JM, et al; Arimidex Writing Committee; Investigators Committee Members. Anastrozole is superior to tamoxifen as first-line therapy in hormone receptor positive advanced breast carcinoma. Cancer 2001;92(09):2247-2258 Doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(20011101)92:9<2247::AID-CNCR1570>3.0. CO;2-Y
https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0142(200111...
3838 Nabholtz JM, Bonneterre J, Buzdar A, Robertson JF, Thürlimann B. Anastrozole (Arimidex) versus tamoxifen as first-line therapy for advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women: survival analysis and updated safety results. Eur J Cancer 2003;39(12): 1684-1689 Doi: 10.1016/S0959-8049(03)00326-5
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0959-8049(03)00...
Additionally, both drugs showed equivalent efficacies as first-line therapies for advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Flushes, nausea, asthenia, and pain were the most common adverse effects and treatment failure was mainly explained by the progression of the disease.3636 Bonneterre J, Thürlimann B, Robertson JF, et al. Anastrozole versus tamoxifen as first-line therapy for advanced breast cancer in 668 postmenopausal women: results of the Tamoxifen or Arimidex Randomized Group Efficacy and Tolerability study. J Clin Oncol 2000;18(22):3748-3757 Doi: 10.1200/JCO.2000.18.22.3748
https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2000.18.22.3...
3737 Bonneterre J, Buzdar A, Nabholtz JM, et al; Arimidex Writing Committee; Investigators Committee Members. Anastrozole is superior to tamoxifen as first-line therapy in hormone receptor positive advanced breast carcinoma. Cancer 2001;92(09):2247-2258 Doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(20011101)92:9<2247::AID-CNCR1570>3.0. CO;2-Y
https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0142(200111...

Limitations of the Studies

Although studies have demonstrated the favorable role of the CYP2D6 gene in TMX resistance, there were some limitations such as the lack of a description of the TMX dose and of information regarding the adherence to the therapy, inadequate duration, and omissions of concomitant drugs used to treat breast cancer. Additionally, other associated pathologies that may have decreased the effects of TMX were not reported. Moreover, most clinical studies evaluated Asian populations only; therefore, the results may not be applicable to other populations.

Additional studies of the tumor and genome-related resistance mechanism to treatments will facilitate the development of better therapies and will increase the disease-free survival rate and the quality of life of the patients. There is insufficient information to consider the CYP2D6 genotype as a biomarker for predicting TMX efficacy. Larger clinical studies are necessary, particularly considering the ethnic particularities of the CYP2D6 polymorphisms.

Conclusion

Hormonal treatment with TMX had advantages compared with other hormonal drugs on hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, particularly considering that it is the main option for both pre- and postmenopausal women. The effects of CYP2D6 polymorphisms on the TMX resistance mechanism remain unclear. The CYP2D6 gene appears to contribute to decreasing the efficiency of TMX, while the main mechanism responsible for therapy failure, morbidity, and mortality is the progression of the disease.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Dec 2018

History

  • Received
    10 June 2018
  • Accepted
    22 Oct 2018
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