Tempus Introduces A New, Predictive Diagnostic Test to its Growing Collection of Algorithms

PRESS RELEASES

10/26/2021

Tempus’ platform brings research to life with predictive algorithms that screen cancer patients for mutations in the DPYD gene

Tempus, a leader in artificial intelligence and precision medicine, today announced its new DPYD algorithm as its most recent addition to its growing collection of predictive algorithm laboratory-developed tests. The test assesses for relevant mutations in the DPYD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) gene and helps physicians better identify patients at potential risk for toxicity to certain chemotherapies, aiming to avoid adverse effects. Like other algorithmic tests offered by Tempus, such as the Homologous Recombination Deficiency (HRD) and Tumor Origin (TO) tests, DPYD is available as an add-on option for physicians ordering Tempus’ xT solid tumor broad-panel assay, streamlining the ordering process and providing a comprehensive patient profile in the report.

Tempus’ platform generates the type of rich sequencing data required to develop a novel class of predictive algorithms that can be introduced in the clinic to support personalized patient treatment. Each of these tests is designed to predict specific biological signals or clinical endpoints, ultimately supporting physicians in their decision-making as they seek to make more informed decisions for their patients. In the case of DPYD, the test helps physicians to better identify patients at potential risk for toxicity to 5-FU/Capecitabine chemotherapy. 

“Our xT broad-panel assay is technology-enabled to support numerous clinical insights derived from the deep molecular data generated by the assay,” said Joel Dudley, Chief Scientific Officer of Tempus. “In addition to our HRD and TO algorithms, we felt that a DPYD test could offer clinicians value when evaluating treatment plans for patients across numerous subtypes of cancer, where 5-FU may be part of the standard of care.”

DPYD is a known biomarker for adverse events associated with 5-FU/Capecitabine chemotherapy, and this test provides clinicians with insight into which patients might benefit from closer monitoring or dose reduction. The test is available pan-cancer for patients most likely to go on 5-FU/Capecitabine chemotherapy, including colorectal, breast, bladder, and head and neck cancer, among others. 

About Tempus

Tempus is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence in healthcare. With one of the world’s largest libraries of matched clinical and molecular data, and an operating system to make that data accessible and useful, Tempus enables physicians to make near real-time, data-driven decisions to deliver personalized patient care and in parallel facilitates discovery, development and delivery of optimal therapeutics. The goal is for each patient to benefit from the treatment of others who came before by providing physicians with tools that learn as the company gathers more data. For more information, visit tempus.com.