A master’s thesis at the College of Pharmacy discusses the genetic drug effect of hydroxyurea treatment in sickle cell anemia patients.

A master’s thesis at the College of Pharmacy, University of Kerbala, by student Fatima bint Mansour bint Hassan Al-Tawil, titled “The Genetic Drug Effect of Genetic Variations in Urea Transporters B (UTB) on Hydroxyurea Treatment Responses in Iraqi Sickle Cell Anemia Patients,” focused on understanding the impact of genetic variations in urea transporters on patient responses to hydroxyurea. The study specifically looked at single nucleotide polymorphisms and their effect on fetal hemoglobin levels as an indicator of treatment response.

The study showed a homogeneous genetic pattern in the genetic variation rs2298720 in patients, with a significant association between genetic variation rs12605147 and treatment efficacy. It was found to affect fetal hemoglobin levels and pain crisis relief, with differences in response based on gender.

The aim of the study was to provide scientific insights that can help design personalized treatment plans for patients based on their genetic variations, contributing to better treatment responses and minimizing potential side effects.

The study recommended updating the treatment approach according to patients’ genetic patterns and called for further research on the impact of genetic variations on the effectiveness of treatments for sickle cell anemia patients.