Large study links DPYD genetic variations and toxicity of cancer drug

The association between variants of the DPYD gene and serious side effects from the cancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5–FU) in colon cancer patients has been bolstered by the results of recent large-scale study. The largest study to date investigating the association between DPYD variants and 5-FU adverse drug events has found a statistically significant association between two variants that decrease DPYD … Read More

Supplements, smoking could have effect on drug metabolism

Much has been written about the ability of both medications and individual genetics to affect how people metabolize drugs. But did you know things like herbal supplements, smoking cigarettes and even grapefruit juice could have the same effect? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned, for example, that certain dietary supplements can boost the effects of other medications as … Read More

2014 concludes with multiple accolades for Genelex

The year 2014 ended on a positive note for Genelex, with multiple publications bestowing the company with six awards or accolades for business growth and technological advancement. In November, Inc. magazine included the Seattle-based company at the number 10 spot in its list of the top-10 fastest-growing private companies in Seattle. Genelex was the only healthcare software and genetic testing company included … Read More

The Future: Pharmacogenetics in Primary Care

Primary care physicians are in a prime position to advance the continued implementation of pharmacogenetic testing to improve patient care, according to a review article in the journal Primary Care Reports. The article, which appeared in the October issue of Primary Care Reports, makes the case that primary care physicians are ideally positioned to advise patients in a manner that … Read More

HIMSS health care conference kicks off in April

Nearly 40,000 health care technology executives, physicians and policymakers are expected to descend upon Chicago in April for the HIMSS annual conference and exhibition. The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) annual convention starts April 12 in Chicago and runs until April 16. The largest health care trade show in the U.S., HIMSS 2015 will showcase the newest technologies, … Read More

Keep heart healthy during the month of February

February is a time to keep hearts on the mind: both with Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 and the entire 28 days being recognized as American Heart Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. among both men and women, with about 600,000 people per year … Read More

Possible Meaningful Use reprieve on the horizon?

Health care providers may find reason to celebrate after a recent announcement by the agency that oversees the federal Meaningful Use requirements. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in late January that they intend to “engage in rulemaking” this spring to update the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs, more commonly referred to as … Read More

Flawed studies informed recommendations against CYP2D6 testing for tamoxifen treatment, new study finds

A recent Mayo Clinic study has found that clinical recommendations discouraging the use of CYP2D6 genetic testing to advise tamoxifen treatment in women with breast cancer should be reconsidered because some of the studies the recommendations were based on had flawed methodology. The article, published in the January issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, found that some … Read More