Welcome back, readers! As we transition from the warmth of late summer to the colors of fall, it is an ideal time to reflect on our health, particularly prostate cancer (PCa). In our ever-changing world, advancements in health technology, fashion, cuisine, and travel are constant—and so too are developments in cancer care and treatments. Once a frightening diagnosis with limited treatment options, prostate cancer has seen remarkable progress thanks to modern medicine and genetics research. No longer must we agonize over a prostate cancer diagnosis. Today, genetic testing plays a crucial role in managing PCa. Let us explore how genetic testing works and how it benefits PCa patients and their families.

If you are diagnosed with an advanced form of prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, such as into the hip bones, you and your doctor will discuss various treatment options. There are now more options available for treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Genetic tests, like the Myriad MyRisk® Hereditary Cancer Test can help determine if a patient qualifies for targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors by identifying if germline mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2 are present.

Why should you consider genetic testing?

The standard of care a urologist applies for MxPC includes genetic or germline testing (the “genetic tree”), which identifies genes inherited from parents and relatives. These type of genetic tests are one of the most reliable ways to determine if you inherited known, mutated genes associated with prostate cancer and other cancers, and can help you understand which treatments may be beneficial. Genetic testing can be done before your diagnosis if you have a family history of cancer, or after a diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer.  Testing is painless and easy to obtain and is likely covered by insurance.

How is genetic testing performed?

Genetic testing involves analyzing a simple blood or saliva sample in a laboratory to detect mutations or changes in your genes. It is important to note that not all genetic tests are 9medical grade; some are designed for broader purposes, such as ancestry or other identifying traits like hair texture or eye color and should not be used for medical decisions. Always rely on your doctor to select a dependable, medical-grade test. One highly regarded option is the MyRisk Hereditary Cancer test.

The role of MyRisk testing in personalized prostate cancer care

This test analyzes approximately forty-eight genes associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including prostate cancer. For patients with metastatic prostate cancer, the MyRisk genetic test can offer several benefits including:

• Identification of genetic mutations –
  The MyRisk test can identify specific genetic mutations that may be contributing to your prostate cancer and other cancers within your family. Identifying these mutations can help tailor a personalized approach to prostate cancer therapy, including targeted or precision treatments. You might wonder, “How do I qualify for a targeted treatment?” This qualification is based on the specific mutations identified through genetic testing, which can guide your doctor in selecting the most effective treatment options for your condition.

• Eligibility for targeted therapies –
  If a genetic mutation is identified, you may be eligible for targeted therapies. These therapies use drugs infused into your bloodstream to disrupt the infrastructure of mutated genes, preventing cancer cells from growing. Once your MyRisk test identifies these genetic mutations, your urologist will discuss the findings and recommend treatment choices such as PARP inhibitors or immunotherapy treatments. These treatment choices are based on the MyRisk test findings and specifically target aggressive cancer cells, improving your chances of effectively managing metastatic prostate cancer (MxPC).

• Informed treatment decisions for both doctor and patient –
  Understanding the genetic profile of your cancer enables urologists and oncologists to make more informed decisions about which treatments are likely to be most effective. This can help avoid less effective treatments and reduce unnecessary side effects. Without this information, patients might undergo treatments that do not work, leading to false starts and additional stress. The MyRisk test, paired with PARP or immunotherapy precision treatments, can eliminate these false starts by ensuring that the chosen therapy targets your specific cancer mutations, saving you time and effort.

If you can answer “yes” to any of the criteria below, you may be a good candidate for MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Testing and should discuss it further with your healthcare provider.

Bonuses from a MyRisk result

• Access to Clinical Trials: Patients with specific genetic mutations identified by the MyRisk test may qualify for clinical trials exploring newly discovered, targeted therapies for MxPC. Participation in these trials provides access to innovative treatments not yet widely available. Think of clinical trials in conjunction with MyRisk as a bonus: your doctor and Myriad Genetics are proactively supporting your journey with advanced treatment options, ensuring you are on the right path for optimal medical care and an enjoyable life.

• Proactive Cancer Management for Patients and Family Members: The MyRisk test helps identify potential cancer risks before they become too high, providing valuable insights into the genetic underpinnings of metastatic prostate cancer (MxPC). This understanding can improve prognostication and enable more tailored monitoring strategies, leading to proactive management of secondary cancers. Identifying hereditary mutations is also crucial for the patient’s family and relatives. Family members can benefit from patient education by certified genetic counselors included with MyRisk testing, and if necessary, seek genetic testing to assess their own cancer risk and take preventive measures with their doctors.

Every MyRisk test result includes patient education with a board-certified genetic counselor at no additional cost.
Pre-test education: Speak with a certified genetic counselor at Myriad if you have any questions about genetic testing. Call 888-356-0630.

Post-test education consult: To help answer any questions that you may have about your result, go to my.myriad.com/consults. You will need your accession number located at the top of your result.

In Summary

The MyRisk genetic test offers significant benefits for patients with metastatic prostate cancer (MxPC). By identifying specific genetic mutations, the test helps guide both doctors and patients in choosing targeted treatment options, determines eligibility for innovative clinical trials, and provides valuable genetic testing insights for the entire family. This comprehensive approach makes the MyRisk test a win-win for everyone, especially MxPC patients. As mentioned in the introduction, Myriad Genetics is revolutionizing medical care for patients and their families with genetic testing paired with precision treatments. With the powerful knowledge that genetic testing provides to your treatment team, you can overcome the fear of prostate cancer.

Let us shift gears away from cancer fear and prepare for the vibrant colors of fall and quality time with loved ones that expert healthcare such as MyRisk genetic testing makes possible.

Thank you for reading this post and please look for my next post about living well with prostate cancer. Until then, learn, live, and thrive with PCa.

Read more like this: Biomarker Testing: Empowering Patients in Prostate Cancer Management

Geoff McLennan, MPA, Prostate Cancer Patient and Advocate

Author Bio:

Geoff is dedicated to helping families and friends support a prostate cancer patient. He joined the board of Active Surveillance Patients International (ASPI) in 2018 and is an 11-year PCa patient. As a PCa patient advocate, he envisions providing a broad understanding of how patients can collaborate with clinicians for realistic medical care. He enjoys meeting and learning from his clinicians, cancer researchers, providing free online programs for patients, and reminds us that “to live, learn and thrive with PCa” is the motto of ASPI. He is glad he took science courses for understanding a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and diet.

Geoff also volunteers as a board member and past chairman of the Placer County Mental Health Advisory Board where his interest includes therapy and resources for AS men, and a broad oversight of community mental health programs and innovations. He is married to Constance McLennan, a fine artist, has a grown son, and lives in Northern California.

*Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author, and do not represent the views or opinions of Myriad Genetics or its affiliates. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider. Geoff is a paid content writer for Myriad Genetics, Inc.