Two patients faced chemo: The one who survived demanded a test to see if it was safe

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June 9, 2025, 11:40 AM

• •Doctors can test for the deficiency and then either switch drugs or lower the dosage if patients have a genetic variant that carries risk.
• •The FDA approved an antidote in 2015, but it's expensive and must be administered within four days of the first chemotherapy treatment.

The article discusses the fatal consequences of a genetic deficiency that can cause severe reactions to the chemotherapy drugs 5-FU and capecitabine, leading to deaths. It highlights the slow response from medical institutions in implementing routine testing for this deficiency, despite the availability of tests and growing awareness of the risks. The piece details the experiences of patients and families affected by the drug toxicity, the debates among medical professionals about testing protocols, and the push for wider adoption of genetic testing to prevent further fatalities. The article also touches upon the complexities of testing and treatment adjustments while emphasizing the urgent need for action to prevent similar tragedies.

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