Relationship between GSTP1 Ile 105Val polymorphism and docetaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy: Clinical evidence of a role of oxidative stress in taxane toxicity

Abstract

Background: Glutathione-S-transferases (GST) regulate the cellular response to oxidative stress. We previously highlighted the importance of oxidative stress in taxane toxicity and therefore investigated the relationship between the GST isoforms M1, T1 and P1 gene polymorphisms and docetaxel (Taxotere)-induced peripheral neuropathy (DIPN). Patients and methods: The GSTM1 (null), GSTT1 (null) and GSTP1 (Ile 105Val and Ala 114Val) polymorphisms were determined in a cohort of cancer patients treated with docetaxel and entered in a clinical trial database. The relationship between GST polymorphisms and grade ≥2 DIPN as primary end point was studied. Results: Fifty-eight patients (median age 61 years) received a total of 261 cycles of docetaxel given as single agent. Patients with GSTP1 105Ile/105Ile genotype had a higher risk of developing a grade ≥2 DIPN than did those with other GSTP1 genotypes (8 of 27 versus 2 of 31, respectively, odds ratio 6.11; 95% confidence interval 1.17 - 31.94; P = 0.03). In multivariate analysis, grade ≥2 DIPN was strongly correlated with GSTP1 105Ile/105 Ile genotype (P = 0.01) and the number of cycles (P = 0.03). Conclusion: We found a significant correlation between GSTP1 105Ile/105Ile genotype and the development of grade ≥2 DIPN. This finding strongly suggests a role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of DIPN. © The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved.