Germline Mutation Rates in Metastatic Prostate Cancer: How Healthcare Providers Can Improve Patient Outcomes and Expand Knowledge of This Disease

Kara N. Maxwell, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine (hematology-oncology) at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, recently discussed key findings from a study on germline mutation rates in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. The study revealed that the real-world prevalence of DNA repair pathogenic germline variants was lower than previously reported rates.

As the number of patients with metastatic prostate cancer continues to grow, radiation oncologists and urologists are increasingly encountering these cases. Maxwell emphasized that healthcare providers managing these patients must discuss genetic testing proactively. Even if a patient does not present with a genetic alteration, knowing how to identify and treat these alterations can guide future treatment options like PARP inhibitors.

The implications of genetic findings go beyond individual patients and can influence family health decisions and screening practices. Maxwell stressed the importance of implementing genetic testing in clinical practice efficiently to gather valuable information for treatment planning and familial risk assessment. As director of the Men & BRCA Program at the Basser Center for BRCA at the University of Pennsylvania, she expressed her enthusiasm about how this research can improve genetic testing rates and enhance disease knowledge among all men with cancer.

Maxwell pointed out that while genetic testing is becoming more accessible through point-of-care models at centers like Penn Medicine’s Basser Center and cancer genetics practices at VA Philadelphia Health Care and VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care, there is still work to be done to increase awareness among healthcare providers about its importance in treating metastatic prostate cancer.

In conclusion, Maxwell underscored the critical role that healthcare providers play in discussing genetic testing proactively with their patients with metastatic prostate cancer. By doing so, they can improve patient outcomes while also advancing our understanding of this disease and its impact on families and communities.