Friday, 31 Oct 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • VIDEO
  • House
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Health and Wellness > Chemotherapy Could Harm Or Kill You If You Have This Genetic Finding
Health and Wellness

Chemotherapy Could Harm Or Kill You If You Have This Genetic Finding

Last updated: November 2, 2024 1:41 am
Share
Chemotherapy Could Harm Or Kill You If You Have This Genetic Finding
SHARE

Chemotherapy has long been a cornerstone in cancer treatment, with medications like fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine (Xeloda or CAPE) playing a crucial role in combating the disease. However, recent studies have highlighted a genetic variant in the DPYD gene that can make these medications toxic or even fatal for a small percentage of patients. This genetic finding varies in different populations, with up to 8% of people carrying a variant that causes a partial deficiency of DPD, leading to increased exposure to the drugs’ toxic effects.

Patients with two variants in the DPYD gene, resulting in a complete absence of DPD function, face an even higher risk of severe side effects, including fatality. Recognizing and addressing toxicity promptly is essential, with an antidote called uridine triacetate available for immediate administration. However, this process must happen quickly to prevent serious consequences, underscoring the importance of early intervention and monitoring for potential adverse reactions.

In the UK and European Union, pre-treatment DPYD testing has been recommended since 2020 to identify patients at risk of adverse reactions to 5-FU and capecitabine. Genetic testing can help determine the appropriate dosage or alternative medications for individuals with DPYD variants, ultimately improving treatment outcomes and patient safety.

While the FDA in the United States recently issued warnings about the potential risks associated with DPYD deficiency, recommendations for genetic testing before prescribing these medications remain somewhat ambiguous. Despite the proven cost-effectiveness of genetic testing and its potential to prevent adverse events, only a small percentage of oncologists in the US currently order such testing for their patients.

See also  Are Healthcare Labor Woes Ending? Some Might Be In A Post-Covid First

Challenges in implementing genetic testing include the complexity of interpreting results, the rapid evolution of pharmacogenetic knowledge, and the lack of recognition and reimbursement for genetic counselors and pharmacists specializing in this area. Clinical decision support tools and guidelines can help clinicians navigate genetic testing and tailor treatment plans to individual patient needs, ensuring safer and more effective care.

As the field of pharmacogenetics continues to advance, efforts like the Right Drug Dose Now Act of 2024 aim to promote the integration of genetic testing into standard cancer care practices. Patients and healthcare providers are encouraged to discuss the potential benefits of genetic testing for medication response and consider its role in optimizing cancer treatment outcomes.

In conclusion, genetic testing offers a valuable tool in personalized cancer care, helping to identify patients at risk of adverse drug reactions and guiding treatment decisions. By incorporating genetic testing into standard practice, healthcare providers can enhance patient safety and treatment efficacy, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals undergoing chemotherapy.

TAGGED:ChemotherapyFindinggeneticharmkill
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Minnesota man Davis Moturi allegedly shot in neck while doing yard work by neighbor amid year-long dispute Minnesota man Davis Moturi allegedly shot in neck while doing yard work by neighbor amid year-long dispute
Next Article Tia, Tamera Mowry’s Bond Allows Them to ‘Sense’ Each Other’s Feelings Tia, Tamera Mowry’s Bond Allows Them to ‘Sense’ Each Other’s Feelings
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

First Look at Alleged Arsonist Cody Balmer Who Torched Josh Shapiro’s Home While He Slept During Passover |

Authorities have identified the individual responsible for setting fire to the Pennsylvania Governor’s residence early…

April 13, 2025

NBC Cut Critical Part Of Meet The Press Interview Showing Trump Out Of His Mind

PoliticusUSA is an independent news source that you can trust. Support us by becoming a…

May 4, 2025

Trump May Revisit Most Favored Nation Model for Drug Prices

The Potential Impact of International Price Referencing on Prescription Drug Costs in the U.S. The…

January 3, 2025

Unit overview, Evolution, and abilities

Anime Vanguards introduces a new unit inspired by the popular anime/manga series, Fire Force, called…

May 20, 2025

What Are ORCs? Astronomers Still Don’t Know

Astronomers are constantly scanning the skies, searching for new and exciting celestial objects. With advancements…

April 19, 2025

You Might Also Like

Nearly 1 in 5 urinary tract infections linked to contaminated meat
Health and Wellness

Nearly 1 in 5 urinary tract infections linked to contaminated meat

October 31, 2025
Cigna Profits Hit Nearly  Billion Despite Rising Costs
Health and Wellness

Cigna Profits Hit Nearly $2 Billion Despite Rising Costs

October 30, 2025
For cardiac health, exercise benefits women more than men
Health and Wellness

For cardiac health, exercise benefits women more than men

October 30, 2025
Scott Clifton Reveals Bold and the Beautiful Planned to Kill Liam
Entertainment

Scott Clifton Reveals Bold and the Beautiful Planned to Kill Liam

October 30, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?