Genetic Variation in the COMT Gene and Morphine Requirements in Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Rakvåg Trude T, Ross Joy R, Sato Hiroe, Skorpen Frank, Kaasa Stein, Klepstad Pål
Primary Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Hypothesis
Does variability in the COMT gene contribute to differences in morphine efficacy in cancer patients?
Conclusion
Genetic variability in the COMT gene influences the efficacy of morphine in cancer patients with pain.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients carrying the most frequent haplotype needed lower morphine doses than those not carrying it.
- Carriers of the A allele for the Rs4680 SNP needed lower morphine doses.
- Multivariate analyses showed significant associations between haplotypes and morphine dose requirements.
Takeaway
Some people need less morphine for pain relief because of their genes, specifically variations in a gene called COMT.
Methodology
The study genotyped 11 SNPs in the COMT gene and analyzed their association with morphine doses in cancer patients.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from the skewed distribution of time since cancer diagnosis.
Limitations
The study may be influenced by confounding factors such as disease severity and other treatments.
Participant Demographics
Caucasian cancer patients receiving oral morphine for pain treatment.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.005
Statistical Significance
p = 0.005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website