[Genetic polymorphism and cancer].
The clinical pathological significance of genetic polymorphism in cancer is reviewed from the following standpoint. 1) Genetic diagnosis of cancer, especially for loss of heterozygosity 2) Interference with laboratory data: For example, the polymorphisms in secretor and Lewis genes make effect on the serum levels of CA19-9. 3) Cancer susceptibility: Molecular epidemiological studies revealed some genetic polymorphisms were related with cancer susceptibility and were useful for biomarkers of cancer risk. 4) Drug sensitivity: The differences in drug toxicity are sometimes attributed to genetic variability in some enzymes responsible for drug metabolism. When the polymorphisms related with drug degradation were examined, the exact drug would have been selected for each individual. Genetic polymorphisms are strongly related with clinical practice of cancer. After the information about genetic polymorphisms is accumulated, tailor-made medicine(therapy/prevention/diagnosis) will be applicable to medical care of individuals.
Maekawa
M
M
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192.
D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D019656:Loss of Heterozygosity / Q000235:genetics; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics