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Chemo May Kill Without This Test First: Why DPYD Screening Should Be Mandatory

Chemo May Kill Without This Test First: Why DPYD Screening Should Be Mandatory

One woman’s death sparks fresh urgency for genetic testing before common chemotherapy drugs like 5-FU and capecitabine

Naveen Sankar S's avatar
Naveen Sankar S
Jun 09, 2025
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Chemo May Kill Without This Test First: Why DPYD Screening Should Be Mandatory
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Routine genetic testing before starting chemotherapy with capecitabine or 5-FU could prevent hundreds of avoidable deaths each year. Yet most patients in the U.S. still begin treatment without being screened for DPD enzyme deficiency, a known risk factor for life-threatening toxicity.

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The issue came to national attention after the dea…

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