Germline testing for prostate cancer: current state and opportunities for enhanced access

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Public Health

Background:

• Germline testing (GT) is increasingly vital for prostate cancer (PCA) care, hereditary cancer assessment, and screening.
• Expanded guidelines now recommend GT for patients with metastatic, advanced, or high-risk PCA, and for males with a relevant family history.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current prostate cancer germline testing guidelines.
• To explore implementation strategies for expanded GT.
• To address disparities in GT engagement and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current guidelines and implementation strategies for germline testing in prostate cancer.
• Analysis of disparities in germline testing uptake and outcomes.
• Synthesis of findings to inform future strategies.

Main Results:

• Germline testing guidelines for prostate cancer have significantly expanded.
• Genetic counseling programs face capacity challenges due to increased demand for GT.
• Disparities in engagement with prostate cancer GT impact patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Integrating updated GT guidelines with effective implementation strategies is essential.
• Addressing disparities in GT is critical to ensure equitable benefits across all populations.
• Developing alternative genetic service delivery models is necessary to manage increased GT demand.