Genetic Testing for Prostate Cancer

Every man with prostate cancer should consider genetic testing regardless of where they are in their cancer journey. Genetic testing personalizes cancer care and helps families understand if they are at an elevated risk. Genetic mutations can be passed from father or mother to their sons and/or daughters. About 5-10% of all cancers are passed down this way. Environmental exposures can also cause DNA mutations after birth (UV sunburns, smoking, or certain chemicals).

Markers for the Suitability of Genetic Testing May Include:

  • Having close family members (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer under 65 years of age, especially multiple family members.
  • Regionalized prostate cancer
  • Distant prostate cancer
  • BRCA gene mutations
  • Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
  • African American racial background
  • Family history of cancer

Here Are Some of the Benefits of Genetic Testing:

Impacts on Initial Treatment Decisions: Men who inherit changes or mutations in their DNA may have a more aggressive cancer. This information is vital when considering active surveillance or other treatment options. Bear in mind that Treatment for prostate cancer runs the gamut. From active surveillance and NanoKnife electroporation for low-grade cancer to brachytherapy, cryoablation, and prostatectomy (surgery to remove the prostate) for higher-grade cancer, so the more we know, the better informed the treatment.

Unlock New Treatment Options: Men with prostate cancer and specific inherited DNA alterations are eligible for life-sustaining therapies, like PARP inhibitors, if the disease progresses to metastasis. Genetic testing is the only way to qualify for these new treatments.

Protect Loved Ones: Genetic testing can determine if a family member is at higher risk for developing cancer in the future. If an inherited DNA mutation is detected, family members have a 50% chance of having the same. Genetic testing gives family members the information they need to take preventative health measures.

Helps You Understand Risks of Other Cancers: These mutations in the DNA may increase the risk of other cancers, for example, breast, colon, pancreatic, and more. This knowledge allows patients to manage their cancer risk more holistically.

Recommended By Cancer Guidelines and Societies: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Cancer Society, and the National Cancer Institute now recommend genetic testing for men with prostate cancer.

Here Are Some Facts About Genetic Testing for Prostate Cancer

  • How Much Does Genetic Testing Cost? Cost shouldn’t get in the way of understanding your cancer risk, and as such, payment plans and financial assistance are offered to both insured and uninsured patients. Medicare patients pay $0, and those with an out-of-pocket cost, on average, spend less than $100. This, of course, will vary depending on the specific health insurance plan.
  • How Long Does Genetic Testing Take? Testing can take up to 14 days, but the average turnaround time is under seven days.
  • Is Testing Invasive? Not really. The DNA is collected via saliva samples or a simple blood draw that can be done as part of your annual checkup.
  • Is Genetic Testing the Same as Biomarker Testing? While both genetic and biomarker testing help examine genetic material, biomarker testing involves performing genetic testing on an actual tumor mass that has been sampled via a prostate biopsy. Whether biomarker testing is useful largely depends on the diagnosis, but speak to your urologist and oncology team about its suitability for you.

How Do I Get Tested?

Speak to your Georgia Urology physician to learn how to arrange testing. You can make an appointment today.