- Status -
- Type New application
- Pre-PASC consultation Closed
- Pre-MSAC consultation Closed
- Outcome Pending
Application details
Reason for application
New MBS item.
Service or technology in this application
Fluoropyrimidines (FP) are chemotherapy drugs widely used for the treatment of solid tumours (e.g. colorectal, upper gastrointestinal, breast, head and neck, and pancreatic cancer) and can be toxic at high doses. Four DPYD variants have been studied in-depth and have demonstrated a significant association with an elevated risk of severe toxicity. Targeted testing for these four variants using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) prior to treatment with FP will identify carriers of variants associated with enzyme deficiency, allowing for pre-emptive dose reduction, improving patient tolerance and safety and reducing hospital-related management incidents.
Type: Investigative technology
Medical condition this application addresses
The DPYD gene codes for an enzyme that is involved in the metabolism of FP treatment administered intravenously or orally for the treatment of solid tumours. Certain variants in the DPYD gene can result in some patients being unable to metabolise FP at normal rates. Some patients with these certain DPYD variants are more sensitive to FP therapy which results in excess exposure when patients are treated with a standard FP dose, potentially leading to life-threatening toxicity and can be fatal.
Application documents
Application summary
PICO confirmation
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Consultation survey and deadlines
- PASC consultation: Closed
- MSAC consultation: Closed Friday 11 October 2024
Meetings to consider this application
- PASC meeting: 7–8 December 2023
- ESC meeting: 10–11 October 2024
- MSAC meeting: 28–29 November 2024