Study Sheds Light on Potential of Genomic Testing to Tailor Prostate Cancer Therapy - Video

A new review led by researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center assessed how three genomic tests-Decipher, Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score (GPS) and Prolaris-can help doctors make better decisions about how to treat patients with early stage prostate cancer. The review, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, shows that these tests can provide more detailed information about the cancer, but experts say more data is needed on the cost-effectiveness and clinical utility of these tests, as well as their impact on racial and ethnic groups.

Genomic tests look at the genes of the cancer cells, which can give doctors a better idea of how aggressive the cancer might be. For example:

Observational studies with low bias showed most patients with very low or low baseline risk retained their risk category, though reclassification rates varied by test: 88.1%-100% for GPS, 82.9%-87.2% for Decipher and 76.9% for Prolaris. A randomized trial, however, reported higher reclassification rates to elevated risk categories.

This review examines how these tests can help doctors decide the best treatment options for patients.

“Genomic tests give us a clearer picture of how aggressive prostate cancer might be,” said Amir Alishahi Tabriz, M.D., Ph.D., assistant member in the Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior at Moffitt and lead author of the review. “While these tests show promise, we need more well-designed studies to see exactly how they can improve treatment for patients. This is an exciting area of research for the future of cancer care.”

Reference: Amir Alishahi Tabriz, Matthew J. Boyer, Adelaide M. Gordon, et al. Impact of Genomic Classifiers on Risk Stratification and Treatment Intensity in Patients With Localized Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review. Ann Intern Med. [Epub 21 January 2025]. doi:10.7326/ANNALS-24-00700