Design and Implementation of an Opt-Out, End-to-End, Preemptive DPYD Testing Program for Patients Planned for a Systemic Fluoropyrimidine

Abstract

PURPOSE Several allelic variants of the gene DPYD encoding dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) are associated with impaired metabolism of the systemic fluoropyrimidine fluorouracil (5FU) and its oral prodrug, capecitabine, which elevates the risk for severe toxicity. Following a patient death related to capecitabine toxicity in which DPD deficiency was suspected, a multidisciplinary advisory panel was convened to develop an institution-wide approach to future patients planned for a systemic fluoropyrimidine. METHODS The panel selected an opt-out testing strategy which focused on developing reliable processes to collect and report test results and targeted education. An electronic health record–based automated reminder was designed to activate when a 5FU- or capecitabine-containing chemotherapy regimen was ordered for a patient without prior exposure to either agent and without a prior DPYD sequencing test result. DPYD testing was standardized across all sites of care, and a closed loop reporting system for abnormal test results was created. Before implementation, targeted education was provided to providers, pharmacists, and nurses, and a failure mode and effects analysis was performed. Program rollout was staged over a 6-month period. RESULTS At 10 months, the rate of preemptive testing increased from a baseline of 26% to a sustained rate of >90%. In the six network sites, the testing rate increased from 9% to 96%. A total of 1,043 patients have been tested preemptively; allelic variants have been identified in 43 (4.1%). Among 25 evaluable patients, dose reduction or change to a non–fluoropyrimidine-based regimen was accomplished in 96%. CONCLUSION Preemptive DPYD testing is feasible, and high rates of testing can be achieved using an opt-out, reminder-based program. We provide the details of the implementation and encourage others to emulate it.