Thiopurine methyltransferase genotype predicts therapy-limiting severe toxicity from azathioprine

BACKGROUND: Substantial hematologic toxicity limits the use of azathioprine. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 1) polymorphic inactivation of azathioprine by thiopurine methyltransferase and 2) clinical toxicity. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Two rheumatology units. PATIENTS: 67 patients for whom azathioprine was prescribed as second-line therapy for rheumatic disease. MEASUREMENTS: Polymerase chain reaction-based assays were used to detect mutations in thiopurine methyltransferase. The primary end point was discontinuation of azathioprine therapy because of toxicity. RESULTS: Six of 67 patients (9%) were heterozygous for mutant thiopurine methyltransferase alleles. Five of the 6 patients discontinued therapy within 1 month of starting treatment because of low leukocyte counts. The sixth patient did not adhere to treatment. Patients with wild-type thiopurine methyltransferase alleles received therapy longer than did patients with mutant alleles (median duration of therapy, 39 weeks range, 6 to 180 weeks] and 2 weeks range, 2 to 4 weeks], respectively; P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Analysis of thiopurine methyltransferase genotype is a quick way to identify patients at risk for acute toxicity from azathioprine.