Objectives: To review pharmacogenetics as it relates to cancer therapy and to describe pharmacogenetic tests that are clinically available and relevant to cancer drug selection or dosing or both.
Data sources: Peer-reviewed, evidence-based literature.
Conclusions: Genetic predispositions and enzyme specific inhibitors and inducers are critical factors in patients' responses to cancer drugs.
Implications for nursing practice: Nurses need to incorporate knowledge about pharmacogenetics when administering cancer drugs and monitoring patients' responses. Nurses also have an important role in assuring that patients are informed about the purpose and limitations of pharmacogenetic testing.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.