DPD deficiency
Also written as: DPD — Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase
Enzyme deficiency causing severe toxicity to fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy drugs.
Full Definition
Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency is a pharmacogenetic condition where patients lack or have reduced activity of the enzyme responsible for metabolizing fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy drugs like 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine. Patients with DPD deficiency are at extremely high risk of severe, potentially life-threatening toxicity when given standard doses of these commonly used chemotherapy agents. Symptoms can include severe mucositis, diarrhea, neutropenia, and hand-foot syndrome. Genetic testing for DPD variants is increasingly recommended before initiating fluoropyrimidine therapy, and affected patients require significant dose reductions or alternative treatments.
Usage
Usage note: Critical safety consideration before prescribing fluoropyrimidines.
In Context
- "Genetic testing revealed partial DPD deficiency requiring dose modification." — Pharmacogenetic report
- "The severe mucositis was attributed to undiagnosed DPD deficiency." — Adverse event report