Evidence Regarding Pharmacogenetics in Pain Management and Cancer

Patients experience interindividual variation in response to analgesics, which may be partially explained by genetics. This commentary discusses a recently published trial on COMT genotype and opioid dose requirements and describes the potential role for COMT and other genes (eg, CYP2D6) on opioid therapy and the current evidence for germline pharmacogenetics and resources for opioid pharmacogenetics.

Automated summary

This commentary reviews a recent trial on the relationship between COMT genotype and opioid dose requirements, and discusses the potential role of COMT and other genes (such as CYP2D6) in opioid therapy. It also provides an overview of the current evidence for germline pharmacogenetics and available resources for opioid pharmacogenetics.