The ethics of CYP2D6 testing for patients considering tamoxifen
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* Corresponding author: Paul Helft phelft@iupui.edu
1 1155 Merrill Street, #102, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
2 Indiana University, Division of Hematology/Oncology, 535 Barnhill Drive, RT473, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
Breast Cancer Research 2007, 9:103 doi:10.1186/bcr1663
Published: 13 April 2007Abstract
The CYP2D6 gene is responsible for the majority of tamoxifen metabolism. Recent compelling, yet limited data have determined that postmenopausal women who carry a functional polymorphism in the CYP2D6 gene have a worse clinical outcome than women who have a wild-type genotype. In this commentary we discuss the level of evidence needed to change clinical practice and whether CYP2D6 genotyping is appropriate for all women considering tamoxifen as part of their adjuvant therapy.