Pharmacogenomics: The Influence of Genomic Variation on Drug Response

Unpredictable efficacy and toxicity are major hurdles in the administration of many medications. By identifying inherited DNA polymorphisms that influence drug disposition and effects, pharmacogenomics is an exciting tool for the individualization of drug therapies. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in genes encoding drug metabolizing enzymes, drug transporters, and DNA repair genes have recently been shown to influence drug toxicity and efficacy. This review will discuss clinically relevant examples of genetic polymorphisms that influence the outcome of drug therapy, and possibilities for future applications of pharmacogenomics.