Challenges and Future of Cancer Pharmacogenetics

Pharmacogenetics is the study of genetic differences in the location and effect of drugs in different population in order to select the optimal drug therapy and dosage for each patient. Nowadays, pharmacogenetics is regarded a vital tool for the treatment of cancer as chemotherapy exhibits severe systemic toxicity and unpredictable efficacy. Pharmacogenetics in cancer permits easy identification of patients who are at risk for severe toxicity or those likely to get beneficial effects from a particular treatment and thus helps us to explore ultimate goal of individualized cancer therapy. In modern era, pharmacogenetics has been thought to revolutionize cancer therapy as it facilitates the decision-making power regarding drug dosage and regimen to be followed during the chemotherapy.