Gene DPYD

Also known as

DPD, DHPDHASE, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase

Overview

DPYD (Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase) encodes the rate-limiting enzyme in pyrimidine catabolism, responsible for degrading uracil and thymine. More importantly for clinical medicine, DPYD is the primary enzyme responsible for inactivating the chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and its prodrugs capecitabine and tegafur.

DPYD deficiency is a serious pharmacogenetic consideration. Individuals with reduced DPYD activity who receive standard doses of fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy can experience severe, potentially fatal toxicity including myelosuppression, mucositis, and neurotoxicity. Approximately 3-5% of the population carries variants that reduce DPYD function.

Pre-treatment DPYD genetic testing is increasingly recommended before fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy. Understanding your DPYD status can be life-saving if cancer treatment is ever needed, allowing for appropriate dose adjustments or alternative treatment selection to prevent serious adverse events.

NutraHacker Raw DNA Analysis Products that include this gene

• Carrier Status & Drug Response Report
• WGS True Pharmacogenetics Panel

Upload raw DNA data to get your very own analysis of gene DPYD through your personalized DNA reports.