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Pharmacogenomics, ie, the study of how an individual's genomic profile influences his or her response to drugs, has emerged as a clinical tool to optimize drug therapy. Certain variants in some genes increase the risk of severe, life-threatening adverse effects from certain drugs. Integrating pharmacogenomics into clinical practice to assist in drug selection and dosing has the potential to improve the outcomes of treatment, reduce the risk of drug-induced morbidity and death, and be cost-effective., (Copyright © 2020 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved.)

Purpose: A number of institutions have clinically implemented CYP2D6 genotyping to guide drug prescribing. We compared implementation strategies of early adopters of CYP2D6 testing, barriers faced by both early adopters and institutions in the process of implementing CYP2D6 testing, and approaches taken to overcome these barriers., Methods: We surveyed eight early adopters of CYP2D6 genotyping and eight institutions in the process of adoption. Data were collected on testing approaches, return of results procedures, applications of genotype results, challenges faced, and lessons learned., Results: Among early adopters, CYP2D6 testing was most commonly ordered to assist with opioid and antidepressant prescribing. Key differences among programs included test ordering and genotyping approaches, result reporting, and clinical decision support. However, all sites tested for copy-number variation and nine common variants, and reported results in the medical record. Most sites provided automatic consultation and had designated personnel to assist with genotype-informed therapy recommendations. Primary challenges were related to stakeholder support, CYP2D6 gene complexity, phenotype assignment, and sustainability., Conclusion: There are specific challenges unique to CYP2D6 testing given the complexity of the gene and its relevance to multiple medications. Consensus lessons learned may guide those interested in pursuing similar clinical pharmacogenetic programs.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are primary treatment options for major depressive and anxiety disorders. CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms can influence the metabolism of SSRIs, thereby affecting drug efficacy and safety. We summarize evidence from the published literature supporting these associations and provide dosing recommendations for fluvoxamine, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline based on CYP2D6 and/or CYP2C19 genotype (updates at www.pharmgkb.org)., (© 2015 American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.)

The cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) enzyme contributes to the metabolism and/or bioactivation of approximately 25% of clinically used drugs. The CYP2D6 gene locus is highly polymorphic and complex, and variants within this gene locus affect CYP2D6 enzymatic function resulting in a wide range of metabolic activity from little to no activity to ultrarapid metabolism. For many of the drugs metabolized by CYP2D6, the variation in metabolic activity is one of the most important factors responsible for interindividual drug response. Therefore, determining an individual's CYP2D6 phenotype, or metabolic status, will help identify individuals that may benefit from a change in drug or drug dosage. Genotype analysis has become the method of choice to predict a person's metabolic status. Numerous reference laboratories now offer CYP2D6 genotyping; however, there can be substantial differences in the number of genetic variants interrogated as well as test interpretation. Furthermore, there is no standardized process of how a CYP2D6 genotype result is translated into a phenotype assignment. This review summarizes the complexity of CYP2D6 genotyping and highlights the major challenges for phenotype classification. We call for the implementation of a universally accepted system for CYP2D6 phenotype assignment to promote consistency of test interpretation among reference laboratories and medical institutions. We propose a system that utilizes the CYP2D6 activity score system to place individuals into a continuum of activity scores - rather than using the traditional poor, intermediate, extensive and ultra-rapid metabolizer categorizations - and directly translating activity scores into clinically actionable recommendations.

Polymorphisms in CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 affect the efficacy and safety of tricyclics, with some drugs being affected by CYP2D6 only, and others by both polymorphic enzymes. Amitriptyline, clomipramine, doxepin, imipramine, and trimipramine are demethylated by CYP2C19 to pharmacologically active metabolites. These drugs and their metabolites, along with desipramine and nortriptyline, undergo hydroxylation by CYP2D6 to less active metabolites. Evidence from published literature is presented for CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genotype-directed dosing of tricyclic antidepressants.