Developing pharmacogenetic screening methods for an emergent country: Vietnam.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The finding of strong associations between certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes and the development of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs), [for example, HLA-B*5701 and abacavir (ABC), HLA-B*1502 and carbamazepine (CBZ) and HLA-B*5801 and allopurinol], has led to HLA screening being used to prevent SCARs. Screening has been shown to be of great benefit in a number of studies. Clinical translation from bench to bedside, however, depends upon the development of simple, rapid and cost-effective assays to detect these risk alleles. In highly populated developing countries such as Vietnam, where there is a high prevalence of HLA-B*1502 and HLA-B*5801 correlating with a high incidence of CBZ- and allopurinol-induced SCARs, the crucial factor in the implementation of comprehensive screening programs to detect these major risk HLA alleles is the availability of suitable assays. BODY We have summarized the role and economic benefits of HLA screening, reviewed published HLA screening methods used currently in pharmacogenetic screening and examined the advantages and disadvantages of assays developed specifically for use in screening for risk alleles in the prevention of HLA-associated SCARs in Vietnam. CONCLUSION: The optimal approach we propose may serve as a template for the development of screening programs in other emergent countries.