Chemotherapy NHS gene test expanded to variant common in African ancestry

17 April 2026

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By 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.







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