17 April 2026
FatCamera/Getty ImagesBy Emma Wilkinson
The NHS has incorporated a genetic variant more commonly found in people of African ancestry into a routine panel used to guide decisions on chemotherapy.
Genetic testing for variants that cause dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency was recommended before prescribing fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency back in 2020.