When considering the variability of drug metabolism among different geographical ancestries, which factor is most relevant for optimizing patient-specific therapy?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When assessing how genetic differences across populations influence drug metabolism, we need to focus on the genetic factors that drive enzymatic activity directly. 
Option 1: Recognizing the prevalence of specific enzyme polymorphisms for appropriate dose individualization. This is the key factor, because genetic variations (polymorphisms) in drug-metabolizing enzymes (like CYP450 isoforms) can change how quickly or slowly a drug is processed, guiding personalized dosing strategies. Emphasizing these polymorphisms supports optimization of therapy on an individual basis across ancestries.
Option 2: Considering the patient’s location as the sole determinant. While geography can be a proxy for ancestry, relying on location alone is insufficient and potentially misleading, since within-population genetic diversity exists and not all metabolic differences align neatly with geography. This option overgeneralizes and ignores direct genetic data.
Option 3: Focusing on dietary habits exclusive to the region. Diet can modulate enzyme activity to some extent, but it does not capture the primary source of interindividual and interethnic variability in drug metabolism, which is largely driven by genetic polymorphisms rather than regional cuisine alone.
Option 4: Using a uniform dosing strategy regardless of genetic background. This approach neglects known pharmacogenetic differences, risking underdosing or toxicity in individuals with particular polymorphisms. It ignores the very mechanism by which metabolism varies across ancestries and fails to promote personalization.
Overall, the most relevant factor for optimizing patient-specific therapy in the context of metabolic variability is the distribution of enzyme polymorphisms, as they directly influence drug clearance and dosing requirements across populations.

PCOL2021 2025 Practice MCQ Section A - 2025

When considering the variability of drug metabolism among different geographical ancestries, which factor is most relevant for optimizing patient-specific therapy?

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