NCCN Updates Colon Cancer Guidelines to Include DPYD Gene Variant Testing Before Fluoropyrimidine Chemotherapy

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recently updated its clinical practice guidelines for colon cancer. A key change involves a new recommendation for testing patients for variants in the DPYD gene before they begin chemotherapy regimens that include fluoropyrimidines. Specifically, the updated NCCN guidelines now advise clinicians to perform DPYD gene variant testing prior to initiating fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy in patients with colon cancer. Fluoropyrimidines are a class of chemotherapy drugs commonly used in the treatment of colon cancer. Variants in the DPYD gene can affect how a person metabolizes these drugs, potentially leading to severe or even life-threatening toxicities in some patients. The guideline update reflects an effort to personalize treatment approaches and improve patient safety by identifying individuals who may be at higher risk for adverse reactions to these commonly used chemotherapy agents.

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Date: April 25, 2025

Author

Mark Chiang