Genetic Testing for Inherited Prostate Cancer

Posted by Leonard G. Gomella, MD, FACS | Sep 2018

Leonard G. Gomella, MD, FACS presented “Genetic Testing for Inherited Prostate Cancer” during the 19th Annual Future Directions in Urology Symposium on August 11, 2018 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

How to cite: Gomella, Leonard G. “Genetic Testing for Inherited Prostate Cancer” August 11, 2018. Accessed [date today]. https://grandroundsinurology.com/genetic-testing-for-inherited-prostate-cancer/

Genetic Testing for Inherited Prostate Cancer – Summary

Leonard G. Gomella, MD, FACS, discusses the evolving role of genetic testing for inherited family risks in prostate cancer patients. He advises urologists to be attentive to recent developments in genetic testing in order to better detect cancers in individual patients and their family members.

Inherited Family Risks

In general, urologists have always inquired into a patient’s family medical history when treating prostate cancer patients. However, urologists now recognize that patients can have inherited risks beyond prostate cancer, such as breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer, or melanoma. Recent data supports that BRCA1 and BRCA2, the established target genes in the setting of breast and ovarian cancer, also operate in prostate cancer. Therefore, urologists must perform more comprehensive family histories than in the past.

Advice to Urologists Regarding Available Genetic Tests

There are a variety of general and prostate-cancer-specific genetic testing panels available to assess patients has a suspected inherited familial cancer syndrome risk. Dr. Gomella advises urologists to increase their awareness of patients’ family history. Attentiveness to inherited family risks not only helps to detect prostate cancer in an individual patient. It also helps to detect other cancers in the patient and the patient’s family members. Additionally, urologists should partner with a professional medical genetic counselor.

About Dr. Gomella

Dr. Gomella is the Chairman of the Department of Urology at Jefferson University Hospitals. Due to his involvement in developing new diagnostic techniques for prostate cancer through Jefferson’s Kimmel Cancer Center, he has much experience in genetic testing for inherited prostate cancer.

About the Future Directions in Urology Symposium

The Future Directions in Urology Symposium (FDUS) is an annual collaborative meeting with a faculty consisting of the top researchers, physicians, and educators in the field of urology. During FDUS, experts provide updates on recent developments and debate innovative management approaches in genitourinary cancers and urologic conditions. Subsequently, the experts devise consensus statements in accordance with the discussions held in the meeting.

In this video, Dr. Gomella discloses the thesis of the discussion he led during FDUS.

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About The Author

Leonard G. Gomella, MD, FACS

Leonard Gomella, MD, FACS, is the Bernard W. Godwin, Jr., Professor of Prostate Cancer and Chairman of the Department of Urology at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. He joined the Jefferson faculty in 1988 and was appointed Chair in 2002. He serves as Senior Director for Clinical Affairs for the NCI-designated Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Clinical Director of the SKCC Network, and Urology Chair for NRG (RTOG). Dr. Gomella is involved in translational basic science and clinical research in the development of new diagnostic techniques and treatments for prostate and bladder cancer through the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center as Co-Leader of the Biology of Prostate Cancer Program. In 1992, he led the team that first used molecular techniques to detect circulating tumor cells in prostate cancer. He has given over 500 presentations, written over 400 papers, and edited dozens of chapters and monographs in the field of urology. Dr. Gomella has authored and edited many editions of a number of books for medical students, residents, and practicing physicians, including the “Clinician’s Pocket Reference” (aka “The Scut Monkey Book”) and “Five Minute Urology Consult.” He is also Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Urology. “Recovering from Prostate Cancer,” which Dr. Gomella wrote in 1993, was the first book released for the general public specifically on the topic of prostate cancer. “Best Doctors in America,” “Top Doctors for Cancer,” and Philadelphia Magazine’s “Top Doctors” have recognized him for many years for his contributions to urologic oncology and prostate cancer care. He also received national recognition in Newsweek in 2015. In 2007, Men’s Health listed Dr. Gomella as one of the 20 top urologists in the US. He has received numerous awards, including the American Cancer Society’s “Volunteer Achievement Award” and an “NCI Achievement Award.” He has been President of the Mid-Atlantic Section of the AUA and has been elected to the American Association of Genitourinary Surgeons and the prestigious Clinical Society of Genitourinary Surgeons. The University of Kentucky College of Medicine awarded him a “Distinguished Alumnus Award” in 2009. From 2015-2017, he was President of the Society of Urologic Oncology. In 2015, he received a “Distinguished Contribution Award” from the AUA and Jefferson honored him with the “Jefferson Achievement Award in Medicine.”

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