In patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplants, genetic factors may influence susceptibility to congestive heart failure related to anthracyclines used prior to transplant, City of Hope researchers found.
A case-control study of 77 persons with hematologic cancers identified certain genetic pathways that were present in patients who developed heart failure compared with those who did not. Patients who had variations in the MRP2, RAC2, and HFE genes had up to a 3-fold higher risk for heart failure. These genes are responsible for key proteins that regulate the metabolism of anthracyclines and defend against oxidative stress. Females with ≥2 genetic variations were at highest risk, compared with males with one or none of them.
Reference
Armenian SH, Ding Y, Mills G III, et al. Genetic susceptibility to anthracycline-related congestive heart failure (CHF) in survivors of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Presented at: 54th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting; December 8-11, 2012; Atlanta, GA. Abstract 589.
