The following is the summary of “Positive Impact of Implementing a Comprehensive Genetic Testing Protocol for Prostate Cancer Patients in a Multi-disciplinary Uro-oncology Practice” published in the January 2023 issue of Urology by Ramanathan, et al.

Previously, genetic testing for prostate cancer was performed based on personal and family history of malignancy in accordance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, which were superseded by the 2017 Philadelphia Consensus Conference standards. The issue of genetic testing was addressed in the revised 2019 recommendations, which supported on-site genetic testing and the referral of patients to genetic counselors. Despite the need for a streamlined approach to genetic testing, there is little information available on how to deploy such a system successfully. In this work, researchers investigate the potential gains of offering genetic testing for prostate cancer patients at the point of care by established guidelines.

From January 2017, data on 552 patients with prostate cancer who visited a uro-oncology clinic were reviewed retrospectively. Prior to September 2018, genetic testing was recommended based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network standards, and swabs for testing were collected off-site 1 mile from the clinic (n=78). The Philadelphia Consensus Conference recommendations advised genetic testing after September 2018; patients were given the option to get swabs for testing during the clinic (n=474). Installing on-site, guideline-based testing led to a statistically significant improvement in testing compliance. There was a rise in acceptance of genetic testing, from 33.3% to 98.7%. The period to receive the genetic test results was also decreased from 38 days to 21 days.

To sum up, a 98.7% increase in genetic testing compliance and a 17-day reduction in the time it takes to get genetic test results were both achieved with the adoption of an on-site, guideline-based genetic testing strategy for prostate cancer patients. Improved diagnosis of harmful and actionable mutations, as well as increased use of targeted medicines, can result from implementing a guideline-based paradigm with on-site genetic testing. Prostate cancer (PC) is the most commonly diagnosed nondermatological malignancy and the second largest cause of cancer-related death amongst males in the United States. Approximately 34,500 deaths will be attributed to PC in 2022, with over 268,000 new cases among men. 1 Although the majority of people with cancer will enjoy a mild course of the disease, an increasing number of people will have their cancer spread or relapse after initial treatment.

Source: auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/UPJ.0000000000000350