Hereditary prostate cancers account for about 5%-10% of all prostate cancers and approximately 1 in 8 men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.1 Advancements in the genetics of prostate cancer have shown that the presence of key germline mutations is associated with a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and the cancers associated with these mutations tend to be more aggressive.2
With the advent of novel targeted therapies for metastatic prostate cancer, community oncology practitioners have reported challenges in staying abreast of cutting-edge treatment modalities, side effect monitoring and management, and transitions of care.
To improve care delivery for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) has launched an educational initiative to identify practice gaps related to germline and somatic testing for hereditary mutations in metastatic prostate cancer. Through foundational education, health literacy training, and other supportive tools for the multidisciplinary team, the program explores testing for germline mutations and treatment selection based on actionable mutations that can optimize outcomes in metastatic prostate cancer. These resources can also help cancer programs address disparities in access to genetic testing and guideline-concordant treatment in underserved populations with metastatic prostate cancer.
Findings from this program will also help guide the development of educational resources focused on effective practices to implement genetic testing for metastatic prostate cancer.
Explore actionable solutions to overcome barriers to genetic testing for metastatic prostate cancer care in this comprehensive guide, which includes a working section to use the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle for the implementation and continuous refinement of care strategies.
Genetic factors play a critical role in prostate cancer treatment planning, with both germline and somatic mutations guiding therapeutic decisions. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) remains committed to improving prostate cancer care and has developed the Metastatic Prostate Cancer Handbook: A Guide to Optimizing Outcomes with Germline and Somatic Testing. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Andrea Murphy, FNP-C, ACGN, CGRA, genetics nurse practitioner at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and Amy D. Smith, FNP-BC, director at Meredith & Jeannie Ray Cancer Center, about the impact this handbook has had on patient care delivery, measuring success during the pilot program, and recommendations for sustaining germline and somatic mutation testing in clinical practice.
Germline and somatic testing for prostate cancer can improve outcomes and promote early detection and prevention, yet many patients are not aware of testing and the impact it can have on treatment options.
1, Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer. Cancer.org. Accessed February 10, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
2, Taylor RA, Fraser M, Livingstone J, et al. Germline BRCA2 mutations drive prostate cancers with distinct evolutionary trajectories. Nat Commun. 2017;8:13671.