Fluoropyrimidines, such as 5-fluorouracil (5FU), capecitabine and tegafur, are an important and common type of chemotherapy medicine for treating cancer (e.g. breast, colon, rectal, and head and neck cancer).

There is a risk of potentially life-threatening side-effects if a patient’s genetic make-up is such that they cannot break down the drug properly. This is called DPD deficiency.

Project Overview

Pharmacogenomic (DPYD) testing prior to prescribing fluoropyrimidines can help to identify those patients who are at an increased risk of experiencing treatment-related toxicity. Affected individuals can then receive treatment tailored to their needs (e.g. a lower dose or alternative type of medication).

NEY GMS helped to deliver a national project that aimed to ensure that DPYD testing is equitable, standardised and optimised across England.

 

Achievements

The NEY GMS supported the national NHS DPYD Project by working with NHS Trusts to map the clinical pathway and encourage the completion of a NHS professional survey, to understand the processes in place for DPYD testing within the region.

Following the introduction of DPYD testing across all hospitals where these chemotherapy drugs are being used, the NEY GMS worked in collaboration with local hospitals to audit DPYD testing, ensure equitable access to testing and utilisation of DPYD in clinical decision making, and to raise awareness of pharmacogenomics.

The NEY GMS engaged with patient and public representatives to capture cancer patients’ experiences and perceptions of DPYD pharmacogenomic testing. This work will inform future engagement and shape the NEY GMS strategy for pharmacogenomics. We also supported the  Macmillan genomics working group with patient information development for DPYD.

 

Further Information & Resources

DPYD Testing in the North East and Yorkshire

DPD Deficiency (Treatment for Cancer)_Cancer Research UK

UK SACT Board_Guidance for Clinical Staff

Contact us to learn more.

[email protected] 

Our project team are:

Emma Groves, Lead Pharmacist NEY GMS and Pharmacy Subject Matter Expert – Genomics education programme

Joanne Wragg, Director of Pharmacy and Medicines Management and NEY GMS Director of Pharmacy and Medicines Management

Dr. Jackie Cook, NEY GMS Clinical Director (Rare Disease)