Use of Germline and Somatic Molecular Testing in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Guilherme Godoy, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Urology and Urology Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, provides an overview of research done regarding germline and somatic testing for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment over the past decade plus. He discusses the difference between germline and somatic tests, the applications of these tests, the kinds of tests available, and testing criteria guidelines. Dr. Godoy then lists the most important genes, including HOXB13, the HBOC genes, and the genes connected to Lynch Syndrome, among others, and discusses their association with greater risk of earlier-onset, deadlier prostate cancer. Dr. Godoy concludes by going over the conclusions of the 2019 Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference, which sought to define ideal strategies for genetic testing clinical implementation, to define clinical and treatment indications based on these tests, and to propose alternative strategies to meet increased demand for genetic counseling.