Model-Based Quantification of Impact of Genetic Polymorphisms and Co-Medications on Pharmacokinetics of Tamoxifen and Six Metabolites in Breast Cancer

Variations in clinical response to tamoxifen (TAM) may be related to polymorphic cytochromes P450 (CYPs) involved in forming its active metabolite endoxifen (ENDO). We developed a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model for tamoxifen and six metabolites to determine clinically relevant factors of ENDO exposure. Concentration-time data for TAM and 6 metabolites come from a prospective, multicenter, 3-year follow-up study of adjuvant TAM (20 mg/day) in patients with breast cancer, with plasma samples drawn every 6 months, and genotypes for 63 genetic polymorphisms (PHACS study, NCT01127295). Concentration data for TAM and 6 metabolites from 928 patients (n = 27,433 concentrations) were analyzed simultaneously with a 7-compartment PopPK model. CYP2D6 phenotype (poor metabolizer (PM), intermediate metabolizer (IM), normal metabolizer (NM), and ultra-rapid metabolizer (UM)), CYP3A4*22, CYP2C19*2, and CYP2B6*6 genotypes, concomitant CYP2D6 inhibitors, age, and body weight had a significant impact on TAM metabolism. Formation of ENDO from N-desmethyltamoxifen was decreased by 84% (relative standard error (RSE) = 14%) in PM patients and by 47% (RSE = 9%) in IM patients and increased in UM patients by 27% (RSE = 12%) compared with NM patients. Dose-adjustment simulations support an increase from 20 mg/day to 40 and 80 mg/day in IM patients and PM patients, respectively, to reach ENDO levels similar to those in NM patients. However, when considering Antiestrogenic Activity Score (AAS), a dose increase to 60 mg/day in PM patients seems sufficient. This PopPK model can be used as a tool to predict ENDO levels or AAS according to the patient's CYP2D6 phenotype for TAM dose adaptation.

Automated summary

Variations in clinical response to tamoxifen may be related to polymorphic cytochromes P450 involved in forming its active metabolite endoxifen. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed to determine clinically relevant factors of endoxifen exposure. The study found that CYP2D6 phenotype had a significant impact on tamoxifen metabolism, leading to differences in endoxifen levels. Dose adjustment simulations suggested that intermediate metabolizers and poor metabolizers may need higher doses of tamoxifen to reach endoxifen levels similar to normal metabolizers.