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To assess the value of pretreatment O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in predicting haematological toxicity with O6-alkylating agent chemotherapy, we explored this relationship retrospectively in melanoma patients. Ninety-three patients treated with temozolomide or dacarbazine in four clinical trials were assessed, and a model of the interaction between MGMT expression and haematological toxicity was constructed. Nadir white-cell and platelet counts were related to, and hence could be predicted from, pretreatment MGMT. Leucopenia and thrombocytopenia were more prevalent amongst patients with low pretreatment MGMT, according to the highest grades of toxicity experienced and/or the dose intensity patients could sustain. Addition of interferon to chemotherapy or compression of the temozolomide schedule increased the toxicity. The model also predicts significant myelotoxicity where PBMC MGMT is inactivated, consistent with the experience in the clinic with lomeguatrib and O6-benzylguanine. Determination of MGMT in PBMC can identify patients at greatest risk of toxicity or who are suitable for dose intensification.

Original publication

DOI

10.1097/CMR.0b013e32832ccd58

Type

Journal article

Journal

Melanoma Res

Publication Date

12/2011

Volume

21

Pages

502 - 508

Keywords

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols, Biomarkers, Pharmacological, Dacarbazine, Drug Administration Routes, Drug Administration Schedule, Humans, Interferon alpha-2, Interferon-alpha, Leukocytes, Mononuclear, Myeloid Cells, O(6)-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase, Predictive Value of Tests, Prognosis, Recombinant Proteins, Retrospective Studies, Temozolomide, Thalidomide, Time Factors