Abstract:
Background: Vincristine (VCR) is a critical part of treatment in pediatric malignancies and is asso-
ciated with dose-dependent peripheral neuropathy (vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy
[VIPN]). Our previous findings show VCR metabolism is regulated by the CYP3A5 gene. Individ-
uals who are low CYP3A5 expressers metabolize VCR slower and experience more severe VIPN as
compared to high expressers. Preliminary observations suggest that Caucasians experience more
severe VIPN as compared to nonCaucasians.
Procedure: Kenyan children with cancer who were undergoing treatment including VCR were
recruited for a prospective cohort study. Patients received IV VCR 2 mg/m 2 /dose with a maximum
dose of 2.5 mg as part of standard treatment protocols. VCR pharmacokinetics (PK) sampling was
collected via dried blood spot cards and genotyping was conducted for common functional vari-
ants in CYP3A5, multi-drug resistance 1 (MDR1), and microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT).
VIPN was assessed using five neuropathy tools.
Results: The majority of subjects (91%) were CYP3A5 high-expresser genotype. CYP3A5 low-
expresser genotype subjects had a significantly higher dose and body surface area normalized
area under the curve than CYP3A5 high-expresser genotype subjects (0.28 ± 0.15 hr⋅m 2 /l vs.
0.15 ± 0.011 hr⋅m 2 /l, P = 0.027). Regardless of which assessment tool was utilized, minimal neu-
ropathy was detected in this cohort. There was no difference in the presence or severity of neu-
ropathy assessed between CYP3A5 high- and low-expresser genotype groups.
Conclusion: Genetic factors are associated with VCR PK. Due to the minimal neuropathy observed
in this cohort, there was no demonstrable association between genetic factors or VCR PK with
development of VIPN. Further studies are needed to determine the role of genetic factors in opti-
mizing dosing of VCR for maximal benefit