Genetic Testing For Advanced Prostate Cancer

[wagscure259]

I recently underwent genetic testing at Memorial Sloan Kettering under the supervision of Michael F Walsh a pediatric oncologist and geneticist at Sloan . An article published in NEJM in which Dr Walsh was a co-author demonstrated increased incidence of germline genetic mutations of those with advanced prostate cancer ( 11.8% ) versus localized prostate cancer ( 4.6 % ) . I would presume a possible benefit in the future for targeted therapies , clinical trials , and family generational considerations . I know that Nalakrats has informed of I believe foundation one genetic testing organization . Not making any recommendations , just informing .

Here are the link to the article : N Engl J Med 2016 ; 375:443-453

DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1603144

Edward

[Tall_Allen]

Color genomics offers a test one can take at home (you fill a test tube with saliva and send it in) for just $250.

pcnrv.blogspot.com/2018/02/...

[Hidden in reply to Tall_Allen]

How would you consider Color genomics to Foundation one in terms of practicality? I'm in the market.

[Tall_Allen in reply to Hidden]

They are different. Color Genomics is a germline test - answers the question of whether there is an inherited mutation. Foundation One is a somatic test - answers the question of whether the tumors are now expressing a mutated form of the gene. If you have a germline mutation, you will necessarily have the same mutation in your tumors (as well as your healthy cells).

[Gemlin_ in reply to Tall_Allen]

Would germline mutations in the DNA-repair genes means higher radiosensitivity in tumor cells and higher risk for secondary cancer in healthy cells?

[Tall_Allen in reply to Gemlin_]

It depends on whether the mutations affect one or both copies of the gene. 2 copies of germline aberrant ATM genes is a disease called ataxia telangiectasia which means even a sunburn can be deadly. Fortunately, it is very rare, and having only a single copy doesn't seem to carry that degree of risk. Single germline BRCA mutations do not seem to confer greater radiosensitivity to treated tumors. For men with such single germline mutations, second cancer risk does not seem to be higher after radiation exposure.

redjournal.org/article/S036...

[Don_1213 in reply to Tall_Allen]

If Color is done at the hospital - the patient doesn't pay. I seem to recall seeing it on my Medicare summary. No mutations - which could be good or bad I guess. I was able to pass the info on to my son.. which I think IS valuable.

[EdBar]

I had genetic testing done as well. I got it for free at Tulane through Dr. Sartor. Results may direct you toward some specific treatments. At this time however probably the most important thing about genetic testing is if you discover that you have a mutation(s) that is hereditary, then your children and siblings can be alerted and may decide to be tested as well. That knowledge can direct them to be tested early and regularly for cancers associated with that specific mutation.

Ed

[VictoryPC]

I know some doctors who did these tests and had their prostates removed in their 30's. Forget that nonsense.