Description

Test Criteria

Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) is an enzyme that breaks down (metabolizes) a class of drugs called thiopurines. These drugs are used to suppress the immune system and are prescribed to treat various immune-related conditions or blood disorders (e.g., leukemia). The activity level of the TPMT enzyme, or the genetics underlying the enzyme’s activity, is tested before thiopurine drug therapy to make sure that individuals treated with the drugs can metabolize them.

Examples of thiopurines include azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and thioguanine. These medications are used to treat diseases such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune disorders. They may also be prescribed for organ transplant recipients to help delay or prevent organ rejection. If someone’s TPMT activity is too low, the person may not effectively metabolize thiopurines, which can lead to severe side effects.