Hereditary prostate cancer - Primetime for genetic testing?

Cancer Treat Rev. 2019 Dec:81:101927. doi: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2019.101927. Epub 2019 Nov 11.

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains the most common cancer in men. The proportion of all PCa attributable to high-risk hereditary factors has been estimated to 5-15%. Recent landmark discoveries in PCa genetics led to the identification of germline mutations/alterations (eg. BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM or HOXB13), single nucleotide polymorphisms or copy number variations associated with PCa incidence and progression. However, offering germline testing to men with an assumed hereditary component is currently controversial. In the present review article, we provide an overview about the epidemiology and the genetic basis of PCa predisposition and critically discuss the significance and consequence in the clinical routine. In addition, we give an overview about genetic tests and report latest findings from ongoing clinical studies. Lastly, we discuss the impact of genetic testing in personalized therapy in advanced stages of the disease.

Keywords: Genetic testing; Hereditary; Precision oncology; Prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • BRCA1 Protein / genetics
  • BRCA2 Protein / genetics
  • Checkpoint Kinase 2 / genetics
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • DNA Copy Number Variations
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genetic Testing*
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mutation
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Precision Medicine / methods
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • BRCA1 Protein
  • BRCA1 protein, human
  • BRCA2 Protein
  • BRCA2 protein, human
  • HOXB13 protein, human
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Checkpoint Kinase 2
  • CHEK2 protein, human

Supplementary concepts

  • Prostate cancer, familial