Dr. Garyfalia Karponi
Background
♦ The DPD enzyme:
√ Is encoded by the DPYD gene
√ Plays a primary role in the catabolism of fluoropyrimidines, which are used therapeutically in a wide range of solid tumors
The problem
♦ Although treatment with fluoropyrimidines is generally well tolerated:
√ In some patients, it may cause severe hematological, neurological and gastrointestinal toxicity
The cause
♦ The literature demonstrates:
√ An association between variants of the DPYD gene and reduced or absent activity of the DPD enzyme, and therefore the risk of toxicity in patients
The solution
♦ Since each variant in the DPYD gene may have a different effect on the activity of the DPD enzyme:
√ The fluoropyrimidine dose can be adjusted based on guidelines
√ The risk of fluoropyrimidine-related toxicity can be significantly reduced
The recommendation
♦ Testing for variants in the DPYD gene:
√ Is performed in our Laboratory
√ Required sample: 1–2 EDTA blood collection tubes
√ Blood sampling can be performed at our Laboratory by appointment, or you may send the sample with ice packs
√ Turnaround time until the result: 6–7 working days
Please contact us with any questions.
Garyfalia Karponi, MSc, PhD
Molecular Biologist-Geneticist
Chief Scientific Officer, Department of Molecular Diagnostics