pharmacogenomics
Pronunciation: far-muh-koh-juh-NOH-miks
The study of how genetic variations affect individual responses to cancer drugs and treatment outcomes.
Full Definition
Pharmacogenomics, also known as pharmacogenetics, is the field that investigates how inherited genetic variations influence drug metabolism, efficacy, and toxicity in cancer treatment. This discipline combines pharmacology and genomics to understand why patients respond differently to the same anticancer medications. Key applications include identifying genetic variants that affect drug-metabolizing enzymes, predicting severe adverse reactions, optimizing drug dosing based on genetic profiles, and selecting the most appropriate therapeutic agents for individual patients. Pharmacogenomic testing is increasingly integrated into clinical practice to minimize treatment-related toxicity and maximize therapeutic benefit.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as PGx in clinical contexts.
In Context
- "Pharmacogenomics testing revealed the patient carried variants associated with increased chemotherapy toxicity." — Clinical case report
- "The pharmacogenomics panel included genes affecting fluoropyrimidine metabolism." — Laboratory report