Phenotyping drug disposition in oncology

Efficacy and toxicity of anticancer agents are highly variable between patients and variation in drug disposition is thought to be an important determinant. Genetics, physiology, and environment all are underlying factors contributing to this variation. Phenotyping drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters by using in vivo probes is a method that can be used to individualize drug therapy. This review discusses drug disposition of anticancer agents and the potential of phenotyping probes for phase I, II metabolic enzymes, and drug transporters in oncology.