Low DYPD enzyme and chemo

My husband is due to start chemo on Thursday having had a successful operation to remove a tumour from his bowel.  It is stage 3 with 1 lymph node infected.  Chemo is therefore offered.  We have come to terms with this but then yesterday the oncologist phoned my husband to tell him that his blood showed he has a low DPYD enzyme which is responsible for breaking down the chemo drug.  Therefore he will start his chemo at 50% than it would have been increasing to a max of 85% depending on how he is.  I wasn’t in on the conversation with the doctor and I am really worried about this.  Is there anyone on hear who has had this experience please. 

  • Hello Lindaloe2, I do not have any experience but had some blood test today for DYPD enzyme from explanation given, this is to determine which chemo would be used as people with no or  low levels of this  enzymes can  experience greater side effects to some chemotherapy drugs.  This is because they are unable to break down and get rid of the chemo  drug so it stays longer in the body.  This is possibly why they are starting with the lower dose to gauge his response.  I would suggest that you speak to his oncologist or his assigned nurse so that they could clarify this for you.  Wishing your husband all the very best.

  • Thanks for your reply.  I had a chat with his oncologist and understand why they start him on 50% and increase it if he’s tolerating it ok.

    He had his first infusion today which I think went well.  Just has a sore arm this evening.  Anticipating it will kick in further in the coming days but hoping for the best.  Good luck with your treatment, hope you are ok. 

  • Great that you had the opportunity to clarify things and that his first treatment went well.  All the best.