Role of pharmacogenetics of drug-metabolizing enzymes in treating osteosarcoma

Introduction: Drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) biotransform several toxins and xenobiotics in both tumor and normal cells, resulting in either their detoxification or their activation. Since DMEs also metabolize several chemotherapeutic drugs, they can significantly influence tumor response to chemotherapy and susceptibility of normal tissues to collateral toxicity of anticancer treatments. Areas covered: This review discusses the pharmacogenetics of DMEs involved in the metabolism of drugs which constitute the backbone of osteosarcoma (OS) chemotherapy, highlighting what is presently known for this tumor and their possible impact on the modulation of future treatment approaches. Expert opinion: Achieving further insight into pharmacogenetic markers and biological determinants related to treatment response in OS may ultimately lead to individualized treatment regimens, based on a combination of genotype and tumor characteristics of each patient.