Laurence Klotz, MD, FRCSC, presented “Alan Partin Lecture: The Genomics and Natural History of Visible vs. Invisible Cancers” during the 34th International Prostate Cancer Update on February 12, 2024, in Vail, Colorado.
How to cite: Klotz, Laurence. “Alan Partin Lecture: The Genomics and Natural History of Visible vs. Invisible Cancers.” February 2024. Accessed Oct 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/alan-partin-lecture-the-genomics-and-natural-history-of-visible-vs-invisible-cancers/
About the Alan W. Partin Distinguished Lectureship
Alan W. Partin, MD, PhD, a long-time and hardworking contributor to the International Prostate Cancer Update (IPCU), and friend to many in the Grand Rounds in Urology community, sadly passed away in 2023. From earning his PhD in Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, to his tenure at Johns Hopkins University and his authorship of 50 peer-reviewed manuscripts and 70 book chapters, he was a pioneer in research for predicting the aggressiveness of prostate cancers.
To honor his legacy, the faculty of IPCU 34 presented a special lecture relevant to his life’s work.
Alan Partin Lecture: The Genomics and Natural History of Visible vs. Invisible Cancers – Summary
Laurence Klotz, MD, FRCSC, presents the newly-emerging and provocative concept of MRI visibility as a predictor of prostate cancer tumor aggressivity in the Alan W. Partin Distinguished Lecture at IPCU 34. Given that more definitive data on the subject develops, and the urological community accepts it, this could imply significant changes to practice.
Currently, the concern over invisible cancers drives a lot of interventions, such as systemic biopsies in patients who have already undergone targeted biopsies and/or received negative imaging results. Patients on active surveillance derive anxiety from the possibility of having untreated occult cancer.
The clinical implication of imaging-based monitoring has many advantages, such as psychological benefit to the patient, and reduced cost and burden of care from avoiding systematic biopsies. Recent genomic and clinical studies support the idea that tumors invisible on MRI imaging have much more favorable genetics and natural history tha
About The 34th Annual International Prostate Cancer Update:
The International Prostate Cancer Update (IPCU), founded in 1990, is a multi-day CME conference focused on prostate cancer treatment updates with expert, international faculty. It is led by expert physicians and is designed for urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. The 34th iteration of the meeting occurred February 11-14, 2024 in Vail, Colorado. To view more educational presentations from IPCU 34, visit our collection page.
