Genetic Testing May Be Valuable In Treating Colorectal Cancer
Monday, July 27, 2009 - 16:21
in Health & Medicine
A new cost-effectiveness study has determined that so-called pretreatment pharmacogenetic testing is only beneficial if dose-reduced treatment is shown to be nearly as effective as the full dose. If the lower dose is as effective, the test could prevent many cases of severe neutropenia, an abnormally low count of an important type of white blood cells known as neutrophils. It would also mean better life expectancy and lower cost of care.