Scientists at Kobe University, Department of Pediatrics release new data on acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy

03-27-2007

Fresh data on acute lymphoblastic leukemia are presented in the report "Genetic polymorphisms associated with adverse events and elimination of methotrexate in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and malignant lymphoma." According to recent research published in the Journal of Human Genetics, "Methotrexate is administered in high doses to treat childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and malignant lymphoma. Hepatotoxicity and bone marrow suppression often limit its use, however."

"The objective of this study was to determine the genetic polymorphisms associated with the hepatotoxicity and elimination of methotrexate. Genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes including GSTT1 positive/null, GSTM1 positive/null, and GSTP1 A313G, and genes for reduced folate carrier 1 G80A (RFC1 G80A), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T (MTHFR C677T), and breast cancer resistant protein C421A (BCRP C421A) were determined for 26 patients by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method or by direct sequencing. A high frequency of hepatotoxicity (p=0.035) was observed for patients with GSTM1 positive and RFC1 AA(80), and serum concentrations of methotrexate 48 h after the start of infusion were higher for patients with the TT(677) genotype of MTHFR (p=0.028)," wrote H. Imanishi and colleagues, Kobe University, Department of Pediatrics.

The researchers concluded: "GSTM1 positive/null and RFC1 G80A polymorphisms could be predictors for hepatotoxicity, and the MTHFR C677T polymorphism is associated with elimination of methotrexate."

Imanishi and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Human Genetics (Genetic polymorphisms associated with adverse events and elimination of methotrexate in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and malignant lymphoma. Journal of Human Genetics, 2007;52(2):166-71).

For additional information, contact H. Imanishi, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Dept. of Pediatrics, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan.

The publisher's contact information for the Journal of Human Genetics is: Springer-Verlag Tokyo, 3-3-13, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.

This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.