Precision Medicine in Childhood Cancer: The Influence of Genetic Polymorphisms on Vincristine-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death among children. Vincristine (VCR), a key component of childhood cancer treatment protocols, is associated with the risk of peripheral neuropathy (PN), a condition that may be reversible upon drug discontinuation but can also leave lasting sequelae. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in genes involved in VCR pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics have been investigated in relation to an increased risk of PN. However, the results of these studies have been inconsistent. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to investigate the potential association of drug transporter genes from the ATP-binding cassette ( family and the centrosomal protein 72 ( ) gene with the development of PN in 88 Caucasian children diagnosed with cancer and treated with VCR. Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR techniques for the following SNPs: rs1128503, rs246240, rs717620, and rs924607. The results indicated that age at diagnosis (OR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.07-1.75) and the rs246240 G allele (OR = 12.48; 95% CI = 2.26-100.42) were associated with vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN). No association was found between this toxicity and rs924607. Our study provides insights that may contribute to optimizing childhood cancer therapy in the future by predicting the risk of VIPN.