Cost-minimization analysis of GSTP1c.313A>G genotyping for the prevention of cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting: A Bayesian inference approach

Glutathione S-transferase Polymorphisms in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Chemotherapy and/or Radiotherapy

BACKGROUND/AIM

The Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are important carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes. Polymorphisms involved in these enzymes can modulate the development and treatment of head and neck cancer. To investigate the association of GSTs polymorphisms with head and neck cancer and risk factors, clinical-pathological features, and survival time of the patients treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

METHODS

The GST gene polymorphisms were evaluated in 197 cases and 514 controls by PCR-RFLP-Polymerase Chain Reaction Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism.

RESULTS

The GSTP-313 was associated with a decreased risk for HNSCC (p=0.050). The GSTP1 haplotype analysis revealed a higher frequency of the AC and AT haplotypes in the case group than in the control group (p=0.013 and p=0.019, respectively), and the opposite for G-C haplotype (p = 0.015). Yet, the different combinations between the genotypes were associated with an increased risk of cancer. The study showed no association between the polymorphisms and primary tumor site, clinical-pathological characteristics, treatment (chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy) and survival time of the patients.

CONCLUSION

The GST polymorphisms combination showed an increased risk for carcinogenesis, and studies with larger casuistry can contribute to the clarification of the role in individual patient differences for the response to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and identify biomarkers of susceptibility.

Cisplatin affects locomotor activity and physiological endpoints of Daphnia magna

Cisplatin (CPL) is a common antineoplastic drug used in human medicine for treatment of various cancer types. Since the knowledge about its effects on crustacean behavioral and physiological parameters is very scarce, the aim of our study was to determine the influence of CPL at concentrations of 125 μg/L, 200 μg/L, 500 μg/L and 1000 μg/L on swimming behavior (swimming speed, distance travelled, hopping frequency, propelling efficiency index - a novel parameter) and physiological parameters (heart rate, thoracic limb activity) of Daphnia magna with the use of video digital analysis. The results showed that distance travelled, swimming speed, hopping frequency and propelling efficiency were inhibited as early as after 24 h in concentration- and time-dependent manner. On the other hand, heart rate was stimulated in the animals treated with 125 μg/L of CPL after 48 h, 72 h and 120 h of the exposure, however it was decreased at the higher concentrations. Although thoracic limb activity was considerably increased in daphnids exposed to 125 μg/L and 200 μg/L after 72 h, it was inhibited at the higher concentrations of the drug. The study suggests that since CPL affected daphnid parameters at the environmental concentration, it should be considered as hazardous to zooplankton.

GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms in outcomes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with cisplatin chemoradiation

Cisplatin (CDDP) combined with radiotherapy (RT) is employed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with variable toxicities and clinical response. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) participate in CDDP excretion from cells, and genes encoding GSTs, GSTM1, GSTT1and GSTP1, are polymorphic in humans. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the roles of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms in outcomes of HNSCC patients treated with CDDP chemoradiation. Ninety patients were genotyped by multiplex PCR. Urinary CDDP measurements were performed by HPLC. Treatment side effects and response were analysed by conventional criteria. Patients with GSTT1 genes showed 7.23- and 5.37-fold higher likelihood of presenting vomiting and ototoxicity, lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and lower elimination of CDDP in urine relative to patients with deleted genes. Patients harbouring the GSTP1 IleVal or ValVal genotypes showed 4.28-fold higher likelihood of presenting grade 2 or 3 vomiting and lower GFR with treatment than those harbouring the IleIle genotype. In multivariate Cox analysis, patients with the GSTP1 105ValVal genotype had 3.87 more chance of presenting disease progression than those with the IleIle or IleVal genotype (p < 0.01). Our findings provide preliminary evidence that inherited abnormalities in CDDP metabolism, related to GSTT1 and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms, alter outcomes of HNSCC patients treated with CDDP and RT.