Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 genotype in tolerability of alcohol contained in paclitaxel in Japanese breast cancer patients

Background Paclitaxel (PTX) is an essential anticancer drug used to treat breast cancer. Because it contains alcohol as a solvent, it is contraindicated in many Japanese breast cancer patients when they are suspected of alcohol intolerance. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is one of several enzymes that catalyzes dehydrogenation of aldehydes, and plays an important role in ethanol metabolism. Deficiency of this isozyme is believed to be responsible for facial flushing and other unpleasant symptoms following ethanol intake. In this study, we examined the safety of PTX for patients with the ALDH2 GA genotype.