Advisory Board March 28, 2024
Chemotherapy is a standard treatment for many cancer patients, but, for some, it can lead to serious symptoms or even death. Writing for KFF Health News, Arthur Allen explains how a genetic test could save hundreds of patients every year from overdosing on chemotherapy, while also detailing advocates’ efforts to make it a routine part of treatment.
Overdosing on chemotherapy
Each year, over 275,000 cancer patients in the United States receive an infusion of a drug called fluorouracil (5-FU), or take a similar oral medication called capecitabine. While these are common chemotherapy treatments, they can be deadly for around one in 1,000 patients.
Patients who are deficient in an enzyme that metabolizes 5-FU and similar drugs will essentially overdose on...
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