Association of CYP2C19*2 and associated haplotypes with lower norendoxifen concentrations in tamoxifen-treated Asian breast cancer patients.

AIM

The aim was to examine the influence of CYP2C19 variants and associated haplotypes on the disposition of tamoxifen and its metabolites, particularly norendoxifen (NorEND), in Asian patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

Sixty-six CYP2C19 polymorphisms were identified in healthy Asians (n = 240), of which 14 were found to be tightly linked with CYP2C192, CYP2C193 and CYP2C19*17. These 17 SNPs were further genotyped in Asian breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen (n = 201). Steady-state concentrations of tamoxifen and its metabolites were quantified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Non-parametric tests and regression methods were implemented to evaluate genotypic–phenotypic associations and haplotypic effects of the SNPs.

RESULTS

CYP2C19 functional polymorphisms and their linked SNPs were not significantly associated with plasma concentrations of tamoxifen and its main metabolites N-desmethyltamoxifen, (Z)-4-hydroxytamoxifen and (Z)-Endoxifen. However, CYP2C192 and its seven linked SNPs were significantly associated with lower NorEND concentrations, MRNorEND/NDDM and MRNorEND/(Z)-END. Specifically, patients carrying the CYP2C192 variant allele A had significantly lower NorEND concentrations [median (range), GG vs. GA vs. AA: 1.51 (0.38–3.28) vs. 1.28 (0.30–3.36) vs. 1.15 ng ml−1 (0.26–2.45, P = 0.010)] as well as significantly lower MRNorEND/(Z)-END [GG vs. GA vs. AA: 9.40 (3.27–28.35) vs. 8.15 (2.67–18.9) vs. 6.06 (4.47–14.6), P < 0.0001] and MRNorEND/NDDM [GG vs. GA vs. AA: 2.75 (0.62–6.26) vs. 2.43 (0.96–4.18) vs. 1.75 (1.10–2.49), P < 0.00001]. CYP2C19 H2 haplotype, which included CYP2C19*2, was also significantly associated with lower NorEND concentrations (P = 0.0020), MRNorEND/NDDM (P < 0.0001) and MRNorEND/(Z)-END (P < 0.0001), indicating significantly lower formation rates of NorEND.

CONCLUSION

These data highlight the potential relevance of CYP2C19 pharmacogenetics in influencing NorEND concentrations in tamoxifen-treated patients, which may influence treatment outcomes.