what is dpd
DPD stands for dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase. It is an enzyme our bodies make that helps us process thymine and uracil, which make up part of the structure of our genes.DPD also helps us break down the chemotherapy drugs fluorouracil and capecitabine.If you have low levels (a deficiency) of DPD you are more likely to have severe side effects from these chemotherapy drugs. Without DPD, the chemotherapy drug builds up in the body. It then causes more severe side effects than usual.PD also helps us break down the chemotherapy drugs fluorouracil and capecitabine. If you have low levels (a deficiency) of DPD you are more likely to have severe side effects from these chemotherapy drugs. Without DPD, the chemotherapy drug builds up in the body. It then causes more severe side effects than usual.