Pathologists in Australia are urging for improved access to blood tests that can help identify patients at risk of severe reactions to medications like codeine and chemotherapy. Jennifer Kohne, who experienced toxic side effects during her bowel cancer treatment due to an inability to metabolise chemotherapy tablets, highlighted the importance of these tests. A DPYD blood test ultimately revealed her genetic predisposition that led to adverse reactions to the drug Capecitabine.
Medical professionals indicate that the consequences of chemotherapy can be dire, with approximately 1% of patients succumbing to side effects rather than cancer itself. The Royal College of Pathologists is advocating for better funding for pharmacogenomic testing, which can flag patients susceptible to drug toxicity. The college currently has applications pending for rebate consideration for tests assessing chemotherapy and anti-seizure medication reactions.
Professor Luke Hesson emphasised the significant cost benefits of these tests, which range from $80 to $200 compared to hospitalisation costs that can exceed $30,000 due to adverse reactions. In Australia, around 30% of patients treated with fluorouracil chemotherapy experience toxicity, often due to DPD deficiency. The RCPA has identified 35 medications where pharmacogenomic testing can be critical, urging pre-exposure testing as a standard practice.