Gene Test for Tamoxifen

[MandyBK]

Everything about each individual person is in the DNA.

Post on Behalf of CSA Member Celia Lofthouse

After being diagnosed with breast cancer last year, I was advised by my medical oncologist to take the drug Tamoxifen, as my tumour had been oestrogen-receptor positive, (meaning that it had been stimulated by the presence of oestrogen). Tamoxifen has been around for about 30 years and is designed to block oestrogen from contact with breast cells, including breast cancer cells, while acting like oestrogen in other parts of the body.

I am always very loath to take prescription medication, because of serious side effects in the past. However, I had passed up some other recommended treatment aimed at preventing my breast cancer from returning, so I was interested in giving Tamoxifen a try. My trouble was anxiety about the possible side effects. When I collected the prescription, the Pharmacist had gone through these with me, from minor to major. They include blood clots and strokes, as well as a rare form of endometrial cancer. I put the prescription in the cupboard and tried to forget about it.

Then one night I heard the tail end of a current affairs item on television. All I heard was “gene testing that can predict how people will respond to medication.” I scribbled down the name of the company, GenesFX, and the following day, after finding their website, I sent an email asking if there was a test that would give me some information about how I would respond to Tamoxifen. I received a reply in the affirmative. I could have the Tamoxifen PredictAR test, otherwise known as CYP2D6.

My blood was collected by the local pathology laboratory and sent to Gribbles Pathology. The results were then sent to GenesFX, where a Clinical Geneticist interpreted them and wrote a comprehensive report for my doctor. This report showed that I was not at risk for serious side effects and that the drug would do what it is supposed to do. (I learned later that 10% of women get no benefit from Tamoxifen.). Importantly, the test also showed that another class of drugs should not be taken along with Tamoxifen, in my case.

After receiving all this information, I had something concrete to discuss with my doctor and gained the confidence to start the medication. I don’t know how long I will take it. Five years has been recommended, but I will review my decision from time to time and discuss the alternatives with my medical advisers. I am also exercising and reducing my weight, to reduce my oestrogen levels.

Like me, many people have had a serious reaction to a drug, landing them in hospital. In fact, adverse reactions to drugs are one of the main causes of hospitalizations in Australia and other western countries. So I think that many people may benefit from being tested, before making a decision about starting on a new drug. They might include people who are generally sensitive to medicines and other chemicals, (which is, I believe, a growing number of people!).

The test is very new and many doctors are as yet unaware of it, but in the future I think it will help people choose treatments that are safer and more effective. The GenesFX website is going to be improved soon, so that people will be able to look up the name of a drug to see if there is a test for it. Meanwhile, they answer all emails promptly.
The web address for GenesFX is http://www.genesfx.com.au.


This was posted on behalf of CSA member Celia Lofthouse

[nikgary]

A test to determine a woman's genetic makeup may predict whether she is likely to benefit from the commonly prescribed breast cancer drug Tamoxifen.Tamoxifen is a drug commonly used to treat women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer.

[chrish4161]

Actually DNA test is very effective that we can predict any effects and side effect on the person after using the medicine. And the good thing is which medicine is suiting the person without any side effect is also can be available by the DNA test.