COMT genotypes correlate with cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors

Abstract

El estudio investiga la relación entre los genotipos del gen catecol-O-metiltransferasa (COMT) y la fatiga relacionada con el cáncer (CRF) en 79 mujeres supervivientes de cáncer de mama que habían completado su tratamiento. Los genotipos COMT se clasificaron en Val/Val, Val/Met y Met/Met, evaluándose la fatiga mediante el cuestionario PERFORM, junto con variables de actividad física, variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca y biomarcadores. Los resultados mostraron que las participantes con el genotipo Met/Met presentaron niveles significativamente mayores de fatiga (p = 0.031), sin diferencias en otros indicadores fisiológicos o emocionales. El estudio sugiere que los factores genéticos pueden influir en la patogénesis de la fatiga relacionada con el cáncer y que las intervenciones personalizadas basadas en el perfil genético podrían mejorar su manejo clínico.

Purpose: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common and debilitating symptom experienced by breast cancer survivors (BCS) following treatment. The influence of genetics on CRF has been sparingly investigated. This article aims to explore the suggested impact of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met genotypes on fatigue and to evaluate the effect on other potentially related patient-reported outcomes such as quality of life, diet, pain, or emotional facets; and also the effect on objective variables such as, heart rate variability (HRV), physical activity (PA), and biomarkers (cortisol, neutrophil-to- lymphocyte ratio, and noradrenaline). Methods: A total of 79 BCS who had finished their treatment participated in this study. COMT genotypes were categorized as Val/Val, Val/Met, or Met/Met. PERFORM questionnaire was utilized to evaluate CRF. PA and HRV were objectively measured. The rest of the variables was assessed by questionnaires. Results: BCS with Met/Met genotype reported higher levels of fatigue (p = 0.031), compared to those with Val/Met or Val/Val genotypes. No additional associations were found with other self- reported variables, HRV, PA, or the analysed biomarkers. The findings suggest that BCS with Met/Met genotype exhibit more elevated levels of fatigue. Conclusion: Genetic factors could have a role in the pathogenesis of CRF. BCS with the Met/Met genotype may experience higher levels of CRF. Personalized interventions based on genetic profiling could help manage CRF more effectively.