James L. Mohler, MD, professor of oncology, associate director, and senior vice president of Translational Research, chief of Inter-Institutional Academics at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses recommendations for performing genetic testing in prostate cancer.

Patients who have a strong family history of prostate cancer, meaning those who have been diagnosed with metastatic disease, were under the age of 55 at the time of diagnosis, or developed fatal cancer, should undergo genetic testing. These individuals may have a DNA repair gene abnormality, says Mohler. If the patient has a regional or metastatic prostate cancer, especially at a young age, they might harbor a mutation that could be amenable to targeted therapy. These patients should also undergo genetic testing, says Mohler.

Finally, all patients with advanced disease whose disease has progressed on conventional therapy should undergo a biopsy as it could guide subsequent treatment selection, concludes Mohler.

Articles

Dr. Mohler on Recommendations for Genetic Testing in Prostate Cancer

James L. Mohler, MD, professor of oncology, associate director, and senior vice president of Translational Research, chief of Inter-Institutional Academics at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses the need for genetic counselors in the detection and treatment of prostate cancer.

There are a lack of genetic counselors that could help the detection of early onset of prostate cancer. Genetic counselors are involved in the process of advising those affected by or at risk of genetic disorders to help them understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic disease. Inherited mutations in particular genes, such as 

, are commonly found in patients with prostate cancer.

New certification programs and short courses to improve physicians’ knowledge on genetic counseling and pre-genetic testing are available. There is a need for urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists to be more knowledgeable on genetic counseling, as well as pre-genetic testing, in order to be up to date with the rapidly expanding database on prostate cancer, says Mohler.

Videos

James L. Mohler, MD, discusses the need for genetic counselors in the detection and treatment of prostate cancer.
 
 

James L. Mohler, MD

Articles

Dr. Mohler on Recommendations for Genetic Testing in Prostate Cancer

Dr. Mohler on Need for Genetic Counselors for Early Detection of Prostate Cancer