Giri and Gomella on Fostering a New Framework for Genetic Testing Guidelines in Prostate Cancer

September 14, 2020

In our exclusive interview, Dr. Giri and Dr. Gomella discuss the rationale to create the first multidisciplinary, consensus-driven framework for prostate cancer genetic testing, the importance of having a multidisciplinary team weigh in on the recommendations, and key aspects of the guidelines that could have clinical implications for men in this space.

Welcome to a very special edition of OncLive^® On Air! I’m your host today, Jessica Hergert.

OncLive^® On Air is a podcast from OncLive, which provides oncology professionals with the resources and information they need to provide the best patient care. In both digital and print formats, OncLive covers every angle of oncology practice, from new technology to treatment advances to important regulatory decisions.

Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with Veda N. Giri, MD, and Leonard G. Gomella, MD, both of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, to discuss the first multidisciplinary, consensus-driven framework for prostate cancer genetic testing.

Borne out of the 2019 Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference, the comprehensive guidelines shed light on the evaluation, management, and implementation of genetic testing for men with prostate cancer or men with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.

Notably, the guidelines strongly recommend both germline and somatic genetic testing for all men with metastatic prostate cancer. Additionally, the framework recommends that all men with a family history that could indicate an increased risk of hereditary prostate cancer or other cancers, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and colon cancer, should receive reflex testing to determine whether active surveillance or screening is recommended.

Listen on to hear Dr. Giri, lead study author of the guidelines, and director of the Cancer Risk Assessment and Clinical Cancer Genetics Program and the Men’s Genetic Risk Clinic at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, and Dr. Gomella, chair of the Department of Urology at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, as well as co-chair of the 2019 Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference, discuss the rationale to create these guidelines, the importance of having a multidisciplinary team weigh in on the recommendations, and key aspects of the framework that could have clinical implications for men in this space.