Title:Utility of Assessing Thiopurine S-methyltransferase Polymorphisms Before Azathioprine Therapy
Volume: 13
Issue: 9
Author(s): Teresa Cabaleiro, Manuel Roman, Javier P. Gisbert and Francisco Abad-Santos
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, azathioprine, polymorphism, genotyping
Abstract: Thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) catalyzes the methylation of thiopurine drugs, such as azathioprine and mercaptopurine,
which are used in a variety of diseases. Several mutations in the TPMT gene correlate with low enzyme activity and subsequent
adverse effects, mainly myelotoxicity. Hence, genotyping TPMT makes it possible to identify patients at high risk of drug toxicity and
adjust dosage accordingly. However, further research about the availability of a reliable and universal screening method and more costeffectiveness
studies are necessary.