Comparing the clinical utility of pharmacogenomic genotyping and next generation sequencing in a military health system adult medicine clinic.

INTRODUCTION

Pharmacogenetic (PGx) screening is intended to optimize drug efficacy and reduce adverse drug reactions. Current screening options include genotyping assays for preselected PGx variants and broader next-generation sequencing panels (NGS). Few studies have directly compared preemptive PGx screening methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The two PGx methods were compared in a cross-sectional study of adult Military Health System (MHS) clinic beneficiaries. Participants had initial targeted CYP2C19/CYP2D6 genotyping at a Military Health System Laboratory. Genotyping was followed by multi-gene NGS testing. Current prescriptions were recorded and potential drug-drug interactions screened to evaluate prescribing risk.

RESULTS

All participants (100%) had at least one clinically actionable NGS panel result compared to 81% with targeted CYP2C19/CYP2D6 genotyping. Participants ( = 162) had an average of 6.6 (range 0-22) prescriptions and 2.7 (range 0-24) drug-drug interactions. Among those with at least one clinically actionable NGS result, 42% were currently taking medication with actionable CPIC guidelines (Level A/B), compared with 24% with CYP2C19/CYP2D6 genotyping. Sixteen participants (10%) had uncertain NGS panel results, with none for CYP2C19/CYP2D6 genotyping.

CONCLUSIONS

Preemptive multi-gene NGS detected more clinically actionable PGx results than targeted genotyping. Effective PGx screening in the MHS may decrease preventable adverse effects and improve military readiness.