Veda N. Giri, MD, associate professor, director, Jefferson Clinical Cancer Genetics Service, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, discusses the PROGRESS registry in genetic testing and counseling for prostate cancer.

PROGRESS, likely to launch in early 2020, is a registry to gain insight on men’s experiences with genetic testing, including their psychosocial needs, experience of satisfaction with genetic counseling, decisional conflict, and difficulties conveying this information to their family members, explains Giri. This information, along with mutation information, will be used to push the field forward in terms of genetic counseling and evaluation, says Giri.

Once the PROGRESS registry opens, Giri is hoping to include many institutions and community practices to learn how men from different geographical areas are currently accessing genetic testing and counseling. This will aid researchers as they develop key resources for this patient population, concludes Giri.

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Veda N. Giri, MD, discusses the PROGRESS registry in genetic testing and counseling for prostate cancer.

Dr. Giri on the PROGRESS Registry for Genetic Testing in Prostate Cancer

Veda N. Giri, MD, associate professor, director, Jefferson Clinical Cancer Genetics Service, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, discusses the increasing need for genetic counseling among men at risk of developing prostate cancer. 

Genetic testing has gained traction in prostate cancer, and it is important to continue raising awareness about its necessity in men with a family history of cancer, says Giri. For example, men with a family history of breast cancer are at risk of developing prostate cancer. As such, these men should be considered for genetic testing. 

A patient’s family may also require genetic testing to gauge familial risk of prostate cancer, says Giri. As such, testing results should be communicated with more than just the patient themselves to see whether additional testing is necessary. 

Now, targeted education strategies are engaging urologists and oncologists. Though, it will be important to engage primary care physicians (PCPs) as well, says Giri. Educating PCPs on the importance of genetic testing is the next critical step to ensure patients are aware of the hereditary component of prostate cancer, concludes Giri. 

Veda N. Giri, MD, discusses the increasing need for genetic counseling among men at risk of developing prostate cancer. 
 

Veda N. Giri, MD

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