Dosing method may eliminate genetic test need

Giving irinotecan (Camptosar, Pfizer) at low doses for several days may eliminate the need for the genetic test that determines whether a patient carries a variation in the UGT1A1 gene, putting one at risk for increased toxicity. Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found that when given the drug in small doses for two weeks instead of the standard single large dose once a month, children can begin treatment with irinotecan immediately and not have to delay treatment to perform the genetic test. A report of this study was published in the June 20 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

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