Dr. Gomella on the Role of Genetic Testing in Prostate Cancer

Leonard G. Gomella, MD, professor, chair of the Department of Urology, and director of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Network, of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, discusses the role of genetic testing in prostate cancer.

The role of genetic testing has grown significantly in prostate cancer and urology, Gomella says. Moreover, the field continues to provide data that suggest prostate cancer is driven by germline genetic alterations. As such, genetic testing is now incorporated into the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines with regard to screening and treatment, Gomella explains.

Currently, the guidelines state that patients who present with metastatic prostate cancer, patients who develop metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, or patients with a family history of inheritable cancers, including prostate, breast, pancreatic, gastrointestinal and ovarian cancers, as well as melanoma, should undergo germline genetic testing, Gomella concludes.