Pharmacogenomics of acetylsalicylic acid and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents: clinical implications.

PURPOSE: Pharmacogenomics investigates interindividual genetic variability in the DNA sequence of drug targets, drug-metabolizing enzymes or disease genes, RNA expression, or protein translation of genes affecting drug response and drug safety. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly prescribed medications with well-documented variation in patient response in terms of efficacy and safety. This variation may in part be explained by pharmacogenomics.

METHODS

In this paper I review data on the pharmacogenomics of aspirin and other NSAIDs focusing on clinical implications.

RESULTS

Existing scientific evidence supports the pharmacogenomic basis of interindividual variation in treatment response to aspirin and NSAIDs, with clinical implications for antiplatelet action, cancer chemoprevention, and drug safety. However, further research efforts are needed before knowledge on the pharmacogenomics of aspirin and NSAIDs can be implemented in clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

The outcome of these research efforts would be anticipated to have added value for both science and society, contributing to the enhanced efficacy and safety of these agents through patient selection.