Thanks Jackie. I have that one.
Here is more information on the subject from a lab.
http://www.ittlabs.com/dpd.html
5-Fluorouracil was first introduced over 50 years ago, but remains one of the most commonly prescribed chemotherapy drugs as it is used for the treatment of head and neck, breast, skin, gastric, colorectal, and ovarian cancers, among others. Although it is generally well-tolerated, approximately 13-16% of patients that receive 5-FU experience severe toxicity [1, 2]. These 5-FU associated side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, neutropenia, mucositis, neuropathy, dermatitis, hand-foot syndrome, cardiac toxicity, and, in rare cases, death.
Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is a key enzyme in the metabolism of 5-FU, and partial or complete deficiency of the DPD enzyme is responsible for the severe side effects in about 40-50% of those patients suffering from severe toxicity [3-5]. Fortunately, for each individual that is scheduled to receive 5-FU based drugs (Adrucil, Efudex, Fluoroplex, Xeloda, or Carac), a DPD enzyme assay can be performed to determine if the individual has normal or deficient DPD activity. If the patient is found to have deficient activity, then he/she could be at risk of severe toxicity when exposed to 5-FU, often with the very first dose. Their physician could be advised of this risk and decide how to proceed with treatment, perhaps by decreasing the patient’s dose or deciding on an alternative treatment option. Fortunately this DPD assay can be performed with minimal involvement from the patient; requiring only a single blood draw.
Who Should Be Tested?
The DPD enzyme assay should be considered for any person who is taking 5-FU based drugs (ie Adrucil, Efudex, Fluoroplex, Xeloda, and Carac) with symptoms of toxicity or anyone being considered for 5-FU based chemotherapy.
Advantages of the DPD Enzyme Deficiency Test
1. Helps to predict those patients that may experience severe 5-FU toxicity before they are ever given the drug.
2. Helps to determine optimal dosing for the patient – if patient is found to be DPD deficient, their dose can be decreased or alternative treatment options could be considered.
3. Requires only a single blood draw from the patient – with quick turn-around time.
4.Useful for all 5-FU based drugs and pro-drugs, including Adrucil, Fluoroplex, Efudex, Xeloda, and Carac.
Click here to find out more and how to order the DPD en