Mercaptopurine is a cytostatic – a drug that inhibits cell growth and cell division. It also suppresses the function of the immune system to reduce the occurrence of inflammation (immunosuppressant). Mercaptopurine forms part of the thiopurine class of drugs. It is prescribed to treat certain forms of blood cancer, such as leukaemia. It is also used to treat chronic bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Mercaptopurine and the benefit of DNA analysis
The rate at which mercaptopurine is processed within your body varies from one individual to another. This means that the efficacy and side effects of mercaptopurine can be predicted to some extent on the basis of your genes. Preventive DNA analysis can therefore be an important tool in optimising your medication.
Mercaptopurine and the enzyme NUDT15
Mercaptopurine is processed to a large extent by the enzyme NUDT15 and TPMT. The activity of these enzymes can vary considerably depending on your genetic predisposition, which means the efficacy of mercaptopurine can also differ from person to person.
Information about your genetic predisposition may therefore provide grounds for extra vigilance in relation to a treatment with mercaptopurine.
Read more about NUDT15 enzyme »
Mercaptopurine and the enzyme NUDT15 and TPMT
Mercaptopurine is processed to a large extent by the enzyme NUDT15 and TPMT. The activity of these enzymes can vary considerably depending on your genetic predisposition, which means the efficacy of mercaptopurine can also differ from person to person.
Information about your genetic predisposition may therefore provide grounds for extra vigilance in relation to a treatment with mercaptopurine.
Read more about NUDT15 / TPMT and thiopurines »
Mercaptopurine and the enzyme TPMT
Mercaptopurine is processed to a large extent by the enzyme TPMT and NUDT15. The activity of these enzymes can vary considerably depending on your genetic predisposition, which means the efficacy of mercaptopurine can also differ from person to person.
Information about your genetic predisposition may therefore provide grounds for extra vigilance in relation to a treatment with mercaptopurine.
Read more about TPMT enzyme »
Also known as
Mercaptopurinesuspensie FNA, Puri-Nethol, Xaluprine, 6-Mercaptopurine, 6-MP, 6-Thiohypoxanthine, 6-Thioxopurine, Mercaptopurina, Mercaptopurine anhydrous, Mercaptopurinum, Mercapurin, Purinethol, Purixan, Leukerin