Genetic testing in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: rationale, evidence and practical recommendations

Introduction: Clopidogrel is the most frequently utilized P2Y₁₂ inhibitor and is characterized by broad interindividual response variability resulting in impaired platelet inhibition and increased risk of thrombotic complications in a considerable number of patients. The potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors, prasugrel and ticagrelor, can overcome this limitation but at the expense of an increased risk of bleeding. Genetic variations of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2 C19 enzyme, a key determinant in clopidogrel metabolism, have been strongly associated with clopidogrel response profiles prompting investigations of genetic-guided selection of antiplatelet therapy.

Areas covered: The present manuscript focuses on the rationale for the use of genetic testing to guide the selection of platelet P2Y₁₂ inhibitors among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Moreover, a comprehensive appraisal of the available evidence and practical recommendations is provided.

Expert commentary: Implementation of genetic testing as a strategy to guide the selection of therapy can result in escalation (i.e. switching to prasugrel or ticagrelor) or de-escalation (i.e. switching to clopidogrel) of P2Y₁₂ inhibiting therapy. Most recent investigations support the clinical benefit of a genetic guided selection of antiplatelet therapy in patients undergo PCI. Integrating the results of genetic testing with clinical and procedural variables represents a promising strategy for a precision medicine approach for the selection of antiplatelet therapy among patients undergoing PCI.