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genetic Variant Linked to Increased Risk of Chemotherapy-Induced liver injury
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Recent research identifies a genetic variant that considerably elevates the risk of liver injury in patients undergoing chemotherapy, especially those with colorectal cancer. This revelation could lead to personalized monitoring and preventative strategies for at-risk individuals.
What is Chemotherapy-Associated liver Injury (CILI)?
Chemotherapy-associated liver injury (CILI) is a common and perhaps serious side effect of cancer treatment. It can range from mild elevations in liver enzymes to severe liver damage, potentially requiring dose reductions, treatment interruptions, or even changes in the chemotherapy regimen. The incidence of CILI varies depending on the specific chemotherapy drugs used and the patient’s overall health.
The Genetic Link: CRLM and Liver Injury Risk
A genetic variant in the CRLM gene has been identified as a key factor increasing susceptibility to liver injury following chemotherapy. This finding, reported by News-Medical, suggests that individuals carrying this variant may experience more pronounced liver damage when treated with chemotherapy.
The study highlights that this genetic predisposition doesn’t *cause* liver injury in isolation, but rather increases vulnerability when combined with the toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs. researchers found a correlation between the variant and increased liver enzyme levels in colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Who is Affected?
This discovery is particularly relevant for patients undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, as the initial research focused on this patient population. However, the CRLM gene and its function are not unique to colorectal cancer, suggesting that individuals with this variant undergoing chemotherapy for *other* cancers may also be at increased risk. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of this variant across different populations and cancer types.
The prevalence of the CRLM variant is currently unknown, but genetic testing could potentially identify individuals who would benefit from closer monitoring during chemotherapy.
Implications for Patient Care
Identifying patients with this genetic variant could allow for:
- Proactive Monitoring: More frequent liver function
