Dr. Kara N. Maxwell, an assistant professor of medicine (hematology-oncology) at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, discussed recent research on germline mutation rates in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. The study found that the prevalence of DNA repair pathogenic germline variants in real-world patients was lower than previously reported rates.
The patient cohort in the analysis underwent genetic testing either through a point-of-care model at the Basser Center of Penn Medicine or through cancer genetics practices at VA Philadelphia Health Care and VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care. Dr. Maxwell pointed out that with the increasing number of patients with metastatic prostate cancer, especially in the oligometastatic setting, radiation oncologists and urologists are encountering more cases involving these genetic alterations.
Healthcare providers managing patients with metastatic prostate cancer should discuss genetic testing proactively with their patients, according to Dr. Maxwell. Even if a patient does not present with a genetic alteration, knowing how to identify and treat these alterations can guide future treatment options like PARP inhibitors. The implications of genetic findings go beyond individual patients, potentially influencing family health decisions and screening practices.
Dr. Maxwell emphasized the importance of implementing genetic testing efficiently in clinical practice to gather valuable information for treatment planning and familial risk assessment. As director of the Men & BRCA Program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Basser Center for BRCA, she expressed her enthusiasm about how this research can improve genetic testing rates and enhance disease knowledge among all men with cancer.
Overall, healthcare providers need to be aware of the importance of discussing genetic testing proactively with their patients who have metastatic prostate cancer to ensure that they receive personalized care based on their unique circumstances.
