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

Topline

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.

Study Details

The issue came to national attention after the dea…