Do CYP2D6 genotypes affect oxycodone dose, pharmacokinetics, pain, and adverse effects in cancer?

AIMS

To examine the associations between and polymorphisms, plasma oxycodone and metabolite concentrations, and oxycodone response (dose, pain scores, and adverse effects) in people with pain from advanced cancer.

PATIENTS & METHODS: This multi-center prospective cohort study included clinical data, questionnaires (pain and adverse effects), and blood (pharmacokinetics, DNA). Negative binomial regression and logistic regression were used.

RESULTS

Within 33 participants, there were no differences in oxycodone response between CYP2D6 intermediate/poor metabolisers compared to normal metabolisers.Higher plasma noroxycodone and noroxycodone/oxycodone concentration ratios had higher odds of uncontrolled average pain (OR 2.44 (95%CI 1.00-5.95),  = 0.05 and OR 10.48 (95%CI 1.42-77.15),  = 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no observed benefit in genotyping in oxycodone response, however monitoring noroxycodone and oxymorphone concentrations warrant further examination.