Translational genomic research: the role of genetic polymorphisms in MBSR program among breast cancer survivors (MBSR[BC]).
Translational Behavioral Medicine August 20, 2018 Jong Y. Park, C. Lengacher, R. Reich et al.
Genetic variations in breast cancer survivors may influence how much they benefit from a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. This randomized trial assigned 185 survivors to a six-week MBSR(BC) program or usual care and measured depression, stress, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks. Ten single-nucleotide polymorphisms from eight genes were analyzed. Three SNPs—rs4680 in COMT, rs6314 in HTR2A, and rs429358 in APOE—showed the strongest, though relatively weak, moderating effects on symptom improvement. Only one effect withstood correction for multiple comparisons. The authors propose that this work may help begin identifying genetic profiles to personalize cancer aftercare.