Labcorp Launches Expanded DPYD Test to Identify Cancer Patients at Risk for Severe Chemotherapy Side Effects

Labcorp (NYSE: LH) launched an expanded DPYD Genotyping test to identify cancer patients at increased risk for severe or life-threatening side effects from fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy.

Rhea-AI Summary

Labcorp (NYSE: LH) launched an expanded DPYD Genotyping test to identify cancer patients at increased risk for severe or life-threatening side effects from fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy.

The test now covers all AMP-recommended Tier 1 and Tier 2 DPYD variants, aligning with FDA, NCCN and CPIC guidance and is available to clinicians through Labcorp.

Argus May 28 session

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News Market Reaction – LH

In the May 28 session, LH gained 1.74%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights Labcorp’s effort to expand personalized oncology testing with a broader...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Labcorp’s effort to expand personalized oncology testing with a broader DPYD genotyping panel covering AMP Tier 1 and Tier 2 variants. The test addresses an estimated 1,300 annual U.S. deaths from 5-FU toxicity and recognizes that about 9% of patients carry relevant variants. In context of recent companion diagnostic launches and strong earnings, investors may watch how widely clinicians adopt DPYD testing and how it integrates into NCCN- and CPIC-guided care pathways.

Key Figures

Patients with DPYD variants: 9% Annual 5-FU toxicity deaths: 1,300 deaths per year 5-FU metabolized by DPD: more than 80%

Patients with DPYD variants

9%

Proportion of patients carrying a DPYD variant affecting fluoropyrimidine metabolism

Annual 5-FU toxicity deaths

1,300 deaths per year

Estimated deaths in the U.S. each year from 5-FU toxicity

5-FU metabolized by DPD

more than 80%

Proportion of 5-FU metabolized by the DPD enzyme encoded by DPYD

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 20

5 events

1. May 20

   Consumer health app

   24h Move

   +0.6%

   Launch of MyLabcorp AI app to explain lab results and track trends.

2. May 12

   IT integration deal

   24h Move

   +0.9%

   Expanded Epic collaboration to integrate full test menu via Aura platform.

3. May 01

   Sector public health news

   24h Move

   -0.4%

   Knoa Pharma began operations focused on opioid crisis and public health.

4. Apr 30

   Earnings & guidance

   24h Move

   -0.1%

   Q1 2026 beat with higher EPS, positive cash flow and raised 2026 guidance.

5. Apr 22

   Oncology diagnostic launch

   24h Move

   -0.8%

   Launch of FDA-approved PD-L1 companion diagnostic for KEYTRUDA eligibility.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

pharmacogenomic, dpyd, 5-fluorouracil (5-fu), capecitabine, +3 more

7 terms

pharmacogenomic medical

"New pharmacogenomic test detects all DPYD variants recommended by the..."

Pharmacogenomic describes how a person’s genetic makeup influences their response to medicines; it’s the study and application of genetic information to predict who will benefit, who will need a different dose, or who might suffer side effects. For investors, pharmacogenomics matters because it can shrink the risk of drug failure, enable targeted therapies and companion tests, and help companies reach the right patients faster—like tailoring a recipe to individual tastes to improve the outcome.

dpyd medical

"Labcorp now offers genotype testing for all DPYD Tier 1 and Tier 2 variants..."

DPYD is the gene that makes the enzyme responsible for breaking down common chemotherapy drugs called fluoropyrimidines; when the enzyme works poorly because of certain genetic variants, patients can experience severe, sometimes life‑threatening toxicity. Investors should care because DPYD testing affects drug labeling, prescribing, and demand for companion diagnostics and safer dosing strategies—similar to a safety check that determines whether a product needs a different instructions or warning label.

5-fluorouracil (5-fu) medical

"Fluoropyrimidines, including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine, are..."

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapy medicine that mimics a building block of DNA so rapidly dividing cancer cells misbuild their genetic material and stop growing. For investors it matters because 5-FU is a long-established cancer treatment produced both as branded and generic product; changes in regulatory approvals, supply, pricing, or safety can influence sales, manufacturing costs, and the broader economics of drugmakers and hospitals much like a widely used household staple.

capecitabine medical

"Fluoropyrimidines, including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine, are..."

An oral chemotherapy prodrug that converts in the body into an active cancer-fighting agent similar to 5-fluorouracil; think of it as a timed-release package that becomes active after swallowing. It matters to investors because its use, safety profile, patent status and competition from generics or alternative treatments directly affect sales, clinical-program value and regulatory risk for companies involved in oncology medicines.

boxed warning regulatory

"FDA product labeling for 5-FU and capecitabine includes a Boxed Warning..."

A boxed warning is the strongest safety alert a drug regulator places on a medication’s official label to highlight life‑threatening or very serious risks, similar to a bold red flag attached to a product. For investors, it matters because this warning can reduce sales, increase regulatory scrutiny, raise liability and monitoring costs, and change market perception of the drug’s future revenue and risk profile.

national comprehensive cancer network (nccn) medical

"Recent updates to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines..."

A non-profit alliance of cancer centers that develops widely used clinical practice guidelines — think of it as a rulebook or recipe for diagnosing and treating different cancers. These guidelines influence which treatments doctors choose, whether insurers will cover them, and how new therapies are adopted, so they can meaningfully affect a drug or device’s market access, sales potential, and the design of clinical trials.

clinical pharmacogenomics implementation consortium (cpic) medical

"Clinical Pharmacogenomics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guidelines..."

A volunteer group of clinicians and scientists that creates practical guidelines showing how a patient’s genetic test results should influence drug choice and dose; think of it as a translator that turns genetic information into clear prescribing instructions. Investors care because these guidelines shape how quickly and widely personalized medicines and companion diagnostic tests are adopted, influencing drug market size, prescribing habits, regulatory labeling, and the commercial value of genetic-testing technologies.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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New pharmacogenomic test detects all DPYD variants recommended by the Association for Molecular Pathology to support safer, more personalized cancer treatment

BURLINGTON, N.C., May 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Labcorp (NYSE: LH), a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services, today announced the availability of its expanded DPYD Genotyping test to help identify cancer patients who may be at increased risk for severe or life-threatening side effects from fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy. Labcorp now offers genotype testing for all DPYD Tier 1 and Tier 2 variants recommended by the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP).

"Advances in pharmacogenomics are reshaping cancer care," said Marcia Eisenberg, Ph.D., chief scientific officer at Labcorp. "Our expanded DPYD test identifies patients at risk for severe toxicity before treatment begins, supporting safer, more personalized care. This expansion also strengthens Labcorp's pharmacogenomics and oncology portfolio, complementing the company's hereditary cancer testing, screening, diagnostic and precision oncology offerings to support more personalized cancer care across the patient journey."

Addressing a Significant Risk in Chemotherapy
Some patients experience preventable severe toxicity and death from chemotherapy intended to treat their cancer. Fluoropyrimidines, including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine, are chemotherapy agents widely used to treat cancers including colorectal, pancreatic, upper gastrointestinal, breast, and head and neck. However, approximately 9% of patients carry a DPYD variant that can impair their ability to break down these drugs, increasing the risk of severe toxicity, and contributing to an estimated 1,300 deaths in the United States each year from 5-FU toxicity.

The DPYD gene encodes the enzyme DPD, which metabolizes more than 80% of 5-FU. Patients with reduced or absent DPD activity can experience serious, potentially life-threatening side effects, including diarrhea, neutropenia and neurotoxicity when exposed to 5-FU or capecitabine.

Updated U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) product labeling for 5-FU and capecitabine includes a Boxed Warning about the risk of severe adverse reactions or death in patients with complete DPD deficiency. The FDA also advises testing for DPYD variants before treatment with 5-FU or capecitabine unless immediate treatment is necessary and recommends avoiding use of these drugs in patients with certain homozygous or compound heterozygous DPYD variants associated with complete DPD deficiency. Recent updates to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for colon cancer and other relevant indications reference these Boxed Warnings and the recommendation for DPYD testing. Clinical Pharmacogenomics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guidelines further recommend adjusting or avoiding treatment based on a patient's DPYD metabolizer status as determined by DPYD testing.

Building on Leadership in Pharmacogenomics
Labcorp has offered DPYD testing since 2006 and offers pharmacogenomic testing across multiple specialty areas, including oncology, cardiology, neurology, women's health, pain management, gastroenterology and transplantation, helping providers use genetic information to tailor therapy, reduce preventable harm and support more personalized care.

The test is available to clinicians through Labcorp. For more information, visit https://www.labcorp.com/tests/512275/dpyd-genotyping

About Labcorp
Labcorp (NYSE: LH) is a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services that helps doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers and patients make clear and confident decisions. We provide insights and advance science to improve health and improve lives through our unparalleled diagnostics and drug development laboratory capabilities. The company's nearly 71,000 employees serve clients in approximately 100 countries, provided support for more than 85% of the new drugs and therapeutic products approved by the FDA in 2025 and performed more than 750 million tests for patients around the world. Learn more at www.labcorp.com.

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SOURCE Labcorp

FAQ

What is Labcorp's expanded DPYD Genotyping test (NYSE: LH) announced on May 28, 2026?

Labcorp's expanded DPYD Genotyping test detects all AMP Tier 1 and Tier 2 DPYD variants. According to Labcorp, it helps identify cancer patients at increased risk for severe fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy toxicity, supporting safer, more personalized treatment decisions for clinicians.

How does Labcorp's DPYD test help reduce severe 5-FU chemotherapy side effects for cancer patients?

The DPYD test identifies patients with variants linked to impaired 5-FU drug metabolism. According to Labcorp, about 9% of patients carry such variants, which are associated with higher risks of severe toxicity and contribute to an estimated 1,300 U.S. deaths annually from 5-FU toxicity.

Why do FDA and NCCN guidelines reference DPYD testing before 5-FU or capecitabine treatment?

FDA labeling for 5-FU and capecitabine includes a Boxed Warning for patients with complete DPD deficiency. According to Labcorp, FDA advises DPYD testing before treatment and recommends avoiding these drugs for certain high-risk genotypes, with NCCN and CPIC guidelines also incorporating DPYD-based dosing recommendations.

For which cancers can Labcorp's DPYD Genotyping test be relevant to fluoropyrimidine therapy?

Labcorp highlights DPYD testing for patients receiving fluoropyrimidines like 5-FU and capecitabine. According to Labcorp, these drugs are widely used to treat colorectal, pancreatic, upper gastrointestinal, breast, and head and neck cancers, where DPYD status can influence toxicity risk.

How can clinicians order the new DPYD Genotyping test from Labcorp (LH)?

The expanded DPYD Genotyping test is available to clinicians through Labcorp's ordering channels. According to Labcorp, providers can access additional information and details about the test by visiting the specific DPYD Genotyping page on the Labcorp website.