WHAT IS PHARMACOGENOMICS
Pharmacogenomics can be defined as the study of genetic factors that determine if a patient is likely to benefit from, or be adversely affected by, a particular medication. A great deal has been learned from studies of polymorphisms in a small set of genes that determine or predict the outcome of frontline cancer therapeutics. These polymorphisms confer differential responses in patients through altered forms of key drug-metabolizing enzymes, drug transporters, or drug targets.
PHARMCOGENOMICS RESEARCH AT THE MCIF
Knowledge of population frequencies of specific gene polymorphisms (i.e. variants) associated with having adverse drug reactions is typically based on studies in predominantly non-American Indian populations. A number of population genetic factors, such as admixture, genetic drift and migration, can skew the distribution of allele frequencies in any one ethnic or cultural group.
Our overall hypothesis is that allele frequencies for key gene polymorphisms in understudied American Indian populations MAY BE distinctly different from those in previously studied groups. We further hypothesize that the genetic background in American Indians could also change predicted clinical outcomes through differences in modifying genes (for example, transcription factors, protein modification or processing enzymes).
Our hypotheses is being tested by careful assessment of allele frequencies in a population of Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal members. A subset of this tribal population that is undergoing treatment for cancer will be further studied to assess the association between the presence of critical polymorphisms and treatment outcomes.
We have carefully established a relationship of trust with Tribal Health and Human Services and the Tribal Council and have their support in pursuing these investigations. This project is designed to address the gap in the ability of modern medicine to positively impact the health of tribal populations. American Indians, represented by 560 sovereign Tribal governments, are a large population that is medically underserved in terms of access to and quality of health care. The proposed study will help further our knowledge in order to offer a better quality of care to American Indians diagnosed with cancer.
INVESTIGATORS
Patrick G. Beatty, M.D., Ph.D.
