Role of cytochrome P450 2C8*3 (CYP2C8*3) in paclitaxel metabolism and paclitaxel-induced neurotoxicity.

AIM: The CYP2C8*3 allele has been suggested as a risk factor for paclitaxel-induced neuropathy but the data hitherto published are conflicting.

MATERIALS & METHODS: In total 435 patients were investigated with respect to maximum neuropathy grade and accumulated paclitaxel dose. The enzymatic properties of CYP2C8.3 variant were analyzed using heterologous mammalian HEK293 cell expression system.

RESULTS: No significant association between CYP2C8*3 allele and neuropathy was found, although a trend was observed. The paclitaxel and amodiaquine metabolism by CYP2C8.3 were found similar to CYP2C8.1, whereas CYP2C8.3 was more efficient in the metabolism of rosiglitazone.

CONCLUSION: These results indicate a difference in substrate specificity between CYP2C8.1 and CYP2C8.3; however, the CYP2C8*3 allele has no major impact on paclitaxel metabolism in vitro or of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy in vivo. Original submitted on 6 February 2015; revision submitted on 9 April 2015.