Highly Commended
Test Saves Thousands from Cancer Treatment Unwanted Effects or Death
Summary of work
In July 2019 we were engaged to raise awareness of the lack of DPYD testing prior to 5FU cancer treatment in England. More than 500 people a year were dying needlessly from their 5FU chemotherapy, given to prevent them dying from treatable bowel, breast and head and neck cancer. Added to the risk of dying, some 5,000 people each year suffer severe side-effects, often life-long. Polymorphisms (faults) on a gene called DPYD cause this reaction to otherwise fairly benign 5-FU chemotherapy. Simple, inexpensive tests for the missing gene were available but not used in most UK hospitals. We identified patient survivors and relatives of those killed by 5FU treatment and provided them with the skills and support to campaign for DPYD (also called DPD) mandatory testing. The group, the 5FU Test Alliance launched a national broadcast media campaign, a letter writing campaign and Freedom of Information campaign to highlight the issue. In November 2020 NHS England Clinical Commissioning published an urgent Policy Statement on Pharmacogenomic testing for DPYD polymorphisms with fluoropyrimidine (5FU) therapies which made testing prior to treatment mandatory. Today, no bowel, breast or head and neck cancer patient should die from 5FU, the treatment given to save them.
To date, the program has successfully generated and leveraged data through newly established channels and partnerships with engaged stakeholders. The program has already successfully influenced clinical practice and policy at global, country and clinic levels via novel insights and targeted, patient-focused solutions. Adherence is gaining the attention it has long needed, and real-world outcomes will improve as a result.Judges’ comments
This niche and specific campaign took an obscure nail and hit it straight on the head. The outcome was really impressive, with very clear benchmarking objectives outline, and the health impact really stood out for us. The campaign achieved great coverage and drove policy change!
