Pharmacogenomics & Personalized Genomic Medicine Lecture Review

A set of flashcards based on the pharmacogenomics and personalized genomic medicine lecture notes to aid in exam preparation.

What is pharmacogenomics?

The study of how genes affect a person's response to drugs.

What does pharmacogenetics focus on?

How heritability affects drug response with often a focus on single genes.

What is the difference between pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics?

Pharmacogenetics looks at single genes affecting drug response, while pharmacogenomics studies all genes and their overall variability in drug response.

What role do cytochrome P450 enzymes play in drug metabolism?

They are responsible for the oxidation, transformation, and metabolism of many drugs.

How can pharmacogenetics improve personalized medicine?

It can predict patient responses to medications, identifying those likely to benefit or be at risk of adverse effects.

What are some consequences of adverse drug events?

They can lead to increased healthcare costs, hospitalization, and even death.

Which enzyme is primarily involved in metabolizing opioids such as codeine?

CYP2D6.

What factors influence drug response among patients?

Genetic differences, other medications, dosage, and patient compliance.

Why is genetic testing for drugs like warfarin important?

It helps to determine appropriate dosing due to significant inter-individual response variability.

What are some examples of medications that may have pharmacogenomic considerations?

Tamoxifen, clopidogrel, warfarin, opioids.

How does tamoxifen function in breast cancer treatment?

It is converted into the active form endoxifen, primarily by CYP2D6.

What is the importance of the CPIC guidelines?

They inform clinicians of genetic tests available to optimize drug therapy.

What is an ultra-rapid metabolizer?

A person with a genetic variant causing them to metabolize certain drugs faster than normal.

What is an implication of being a poor metabolizer?

They may not metabolize drugs effectively, leading to reduced efficacy and potential therapeutic failure.

How do environmental factors impact drug metabolism?

They can alter enzyme activity and influence how drugs are processed in the body.

What might happen if drug-drug interactions occur during treatment?

They can affect the efficacy and safety of medications, leading to adverse reactions.

Why might some individuals experience adverse reactions to medications?

Due to genetic variations affecting drug metabolism.

What is a notable economic consideration in personalized medicine?

Personalized therapies may lead to cost savings by preventing ineffective treatments and reducing hospitalizations.

What does a phased approach to drug metabolism involve?

Phase I primarily modifies the drug, while Phase II involves conjugation to improve excretion.

What are the benefits of pharmacogenomic testing?

These tests can lead to personalized drug therapies, enhancing efficacy and reducing adverse effects.