Moving Prostate Cancer Polygenic Risk Scores from Research Towards Clinical Practice

Abstract

Recent advances in our understanding of genetic factors that contribute to prostate cancer (PCa) susceptibility have the potential to improve disease screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Genetic risk scores in particular can more accurately inform patients of their risk of being diagnosed with PCa, which may help in decisions on whether to undergo prostate-specific antigen screening or prostate biopsy. Genetic information may also be useful in helping patients understand the etiology of their PCa and whether their family members should undergo more intensive screening. PATIENT SUMMARY: This mini review discusses recent advances in our understanding of how genetic factors influence a man's risk of developing prostate cancer. This information has the potential to improve screening, diagnosis, and patient counseling following a diagnosis of prostate cancer.