Purpose: Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency is critical in the predisposition to 5-fluorouracil dose-related toxicity. We recently characterized the phenotypic [2-13 C]uracil breath test (UraBT) with 96% specificity and 100% sensitivity for identification of DPD deficiency. In the present study, we characterize the relationships among UraBT-associated breath C]uracil concentrations were determined over 180 minutes using IR spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. Pharmacokinetic variables were determined using noncompartmental methods. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) DPD activity was measured using the DPD radioassay. Results: The UraBT identified 19 subjects with normal activity, 11 subjects with partial DPD deficiency, and 1 subject with profound DPD deficiency with PBMC DPD activity within the corresponding previously established ranges. UraBT breath Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (EC 1.3.1.2, DPD) is the rate-limiting enzyme in uracil and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) catabolism, converting >80% of an administered dose of 5-FU to inactive metabolites (1, 2). The initial step of catabolism is mediated by DPD converting 5-FU to 5-dihydrofluorouracil, with subsequent catabolism by dihydropyrimidinase and h-ureidopropionase enzymes to ultimately produce fluoroh-alanine, ammonia, and CO 2 . The latter final metabolic endproducts are excreted in the urine and breath (3).The pharmacogenetic syndrome of complete and partial DPD deficiency is prevalent in f0.1% and 3% to 5% of the general population, respectively (4). DPD deficiency is a significant pharmacogenetic factor in the predisposition of cancer patients to increased risk of altered 5-FU pharmacokinetics and associated toxicity. Specifically, 60% of patients presenting with severe 5-FU-related hematologic toxicity showed reduced DPD activity (5).Recent studies have investigated the predictive value of the ratio of plasma dihydrouracil area under the curve (AUC) to uracil AUC (DUUR) for the assessment of DPD activity and potential individualization of 5-FU therapy. Specifically, 5-FU dose optimization may be based on the plasma DUUR observed before 5-FU administration (6). Jiang et al. have also showed that the pre-5-FU treatment DUUR may be a good index of DPD activity (7,8).Our laboratory recently reported the rapid noninvasive phenotypic [2-13 C]uracil breath test (UraBT) for assessment of DPD activity with 96% specificity and 100% sensitivity (9). Application of the UraBT to a large population of cancer-free subjects (n = 255) showed an observed 86% sensitivity (with 12 of 14 DPD-deficient subjects identified as DPD deficient) and