Dr. Polascik on Harmonizing Genetic Testing Guidelines in Prostate Cancer

Thomas J. Polascik, MD, a urologic oncologist at Duke University, discusses efforts that are being made to harmonize genetic testing guidelines in prostate cancer.

Faculty at Duke University have been working to streamline genetic testing guidelines in prostate cancer that is inclusive of the entire community in Durham, North Carolina, explains Polascik. Typically, guidelines are based on level 1 evidence. Since level 1 data can be biased toward a particular cohort of patients that’s not representative or applicable to the entire population, the best practice guidelines took into account level 1 data in addition to other factors.

Moreover, faculty thought it important to perform a baseline genetic test for men in their 40s, which could predict the likelihood of developing cancer. By including the test in the best practices guidelines, more men may be able to influence the natural history of events, concludes Polascik.