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Dulguun Myagmarsuren Awarded Fellowship for DPYD Mutation Screening Research

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • Dulguun Myagmarsuren received a national research fellowship
  • The project focuses on low-cost screening for DPYD gene mutations
  • DPYD mutations are linked to 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy toxicity

Dulguun Myagmarsuren, a medical student at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, was selected for the Alpha Omega Alpha Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship to advance research on genetic screening related to chemotherapy safety.

The fellowship supports research in diverse fields, including clinical and laboratory investigation, epidemiology, and health services. Myagmarsuren’s project is centered on improving detection of DPYD gene mutations, which are associated with adverse reactions to the chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU.

Researchers at Virginia Tech, including Myagmarsuren, are working to develop a saliva-based test that uses artificial intelligence to identify DPYD mutations. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive, minimally invasive, and affordable method for assessing patient risk before chemotherapy treatment.

The project integrates computational predictions of genetic mutations into the screening process. By enhancing the ability to detect relevant DPYD variants, the research seeks to address potential safety concerns for patients prescribed 5-FU.

What the numbers show

  • 5-fluorouracil is used to treat colorectal, breast, head and neck, pancreatic, and stomach cancers
  • Some patients with DPYD mutations experience severe or life-threatening toxicity from 5-FU
  • The research fellowship is awarded to medical students for projects in clinical and scientific research

5-fluorouracil is a commonly administered chemotherapy agent for several cancer types. However, individuals with certain DPYD gene variants may have difficulty metabolizing the drug, resulting in increased risk of harmful side effects.

The fellowship program, administered by Alpha Omega Alpha, is designed to encourage medical students to pursue research that addresses clinical and scientific challenges. Projects funded by the fellowship often focus on improving patient care and advancing medical knowledge.

The Virginia Tech team’s research on DPYD mutation screening is part of broader efforts to tailor cancer treatments based on genetic information. The use of AI-driven analysis in the saliva test aims to streamline the identification of at-risk patients in a cost-effective manner.

By supporting the development of innovative screening methods, the fellowship contributes to ongoing research that may improve safety protocols in chemotherapy administration. The project’s focus on minimally invasive and accessible testing aligns with current trends in personalized medicine.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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