All Episodes

August 8, 2025 16 mins

Questions? Comments? Send us a message!

This academic article explores the complexities surrounding dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency screening in patients receiving 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) based chemotherapy. The authors present a case study of a fatal reaction to capecitabine, a prodrug of 5-FU, to illustrate the severe, potentially life-threatening toxicity that can occur in DPD-deficient individuals. The text analyzes various methods of DPD testing, highlighting their limitations in meeting the criteria for routine screening, and discusses the ethical considerations of offering such testing. Ultimately, the article advocates for patient counseling on the risks of 5-FU and the option of DPD testing, while emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to monitor for early signs of toxicity and consider alternative therapies or dose reductions when appropriate.

Support the show

Thank you for your interest in Ethics in Palliative Medicine! Follow us at https://epionepalliative.com and on X: @PallCareEthics

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist

CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist

It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.