Training activity information
Details
Select the correct genetic tests for pharmacogenetic testing in oncology patients, to include:
- DPYD
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What is the DPYD gene, and why is pharmacogenetic testing of this gene important in oncology? What drugs are affected by DPYD variants?
- What are the different types of DPYD variants and their implications for drug metabolism and toxicity?
- In what clinical situations is DPYD testing indicated before starting specific chemotherapy regimens?
- What specific insights do you hope to gain regarding the appropriate selection of DPYD testing in oncology patients?
- How will you learn to determine when DPYD testing is necessary and which specific tests are appropriate?
- How will this activity enhance your understanding of pharmacogenetic testing in oncology patients?
- Will you discuss the clinical guidelines for DPYD testing with your training officer or a clinical pharmacist?
- What resources will you review regarding the clinical significance of DPYD variants and their impact on treatment?
- What potential challenges might you face in selecting the correct DPYD test (e.g., understanding different testing platforms, interpreting requests based on treatment regimen)? How might you approach these?
In action
- How are you currently approaching the selection of pharmacogenetic tests, and what specific clinical information (e.g., the planned chemotherapy regimen) are you prioritising right now to decide if DPYD testing is indicated?
- What challenges are you encountering in this moment, such as understanding the risks associated with different variant alleles or navigating situations where multiple tests are relevant, and how effectively are you identifying cases at risk of severe toxicity?
- How are you adapting to ambiguity or uncertainty, for instance, by seeking advice from a pharmacist or oncologist or raising the need for testing when omitted from a referral, to ensure your selection aligns with national guidelines and local protocols?
On action
- What was the clinical context for considering DPYD pharmacogenetic testing?
- What were the potential implications of DPYD variants for treatment decisions?
- Were there any challenges in interpreting the clinical relevance of different DPYD genotypes?
- Did you gain a better understanding of the role of DPYD testing in preventing adverse drug reactions in oncology patients?
- Did you learn about the different DPYD alleles and their associated risks?
- How does pharmacogenetic testing integrate into the overall patient management plan in oncology?
- What resources will you use to guide your understanding of pharmacogenetic testing in oncology?
- How will you ensure that pharmacogenetic test results are appropriately considered in treatment planning?
- What other pharmacogenetic markers are relevant in oncology, and how will you learn about them?
Beyond action
- Reflecting on this training activity, how has your appreciation for the clinical implications of pharmacogenetic markers like DPYD in oncology evolved as you’ve gained more experience?
- Have you encountered situations where the results of DPYD testing (or other pharmacogenetic markers) have directly impacted patient management? How does this real-world application compare to your initial understanding
- How has this foundational knowledge of pharmacogenetic test selection informed your understanding of other pharmacogenetic tests you may now encounter?
- How will your understanding of the growing role of pharmacogenomics in personalised medicine shape your future approach to test selection in this area?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Apply appropriate sample selection criteria for the commonly referred cancer samples, taking into account the implications of the referral with respect to sample type, sampling mixed cell populations, limits of detection, sensitivity of assay and patient management. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Select the laboratory testing strategy for the commonly referred cancer samples at all stages of the patient pathway. |