Leonard G. Gomella, MD, FACS, and and Brian T. Helfand, MD, PhD, presented “Genomic Biomarker Roundtable” during the 35th International Prostate Cancer Update conference on February 9, 2025, in Vail, Colorado.
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How to cite: Gomella, Leonard G. and Helfand, Brian T. “Genomic Biomarker Roundtable.” February 9, 2025. Accessed Nov 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/genomic-biomarker-roundtable/
Genomic Biomarker Roundtable – Summary
In this 22-minute discussion, Leonard G. Gomella, MD, FACS, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Brian T. Helfand, MD, PhD, NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, Illinois, discuss the evolving role of genetic testing in prostate cancer risk assessment and management.
Dr. Helfand highlights the resurgence of SNP profiling, and how polygenic risk scores now allow for more precise risk stratification across various ethnic groups to improve personalized care strategies. He underscores the importance of genetic counseling and shares a case study illustrating the nuanced decision-making process for genetic testing, screening, and risk management. This detailed presentation offers valuable insights into integrating genetic data into prostate cancer care and illustrates its growing relevance in precision medicine.
About the 35th International Prostate Cancer Update:
The International Prostate Cancer Update (IPCU), is a multi-day, CME-accredited conference focused on new developments in prostate cancer treatment, diagnosis, and prevention. IPCU 35 will feature lectures, interactive discussions, panel roundtables, debates, and case reports. This conference 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 goal of this educational program is to equip healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer with the up-to-date clinical knowledge and tools they need to best treat their patients. The program will discuss the treatment of prostate cancer from diagnosis to treating advanced and metastatic disease. The conference aims to give physicians exposure to a comprehensive review of treating prostate cancer patients and to give them a chance to discuss the issues with peers and experts. You can learn more about the conference here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leonard G. Gomella, MD, FACS, completed medical school and general surgery and urology training at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. After a urologic oncology fellowship in the surgery branch of the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Gomella is currently the Bernard W. Godwin, Jr. Professor of Prostate Cancer, Chairman of the Department of Urology, Senior Director of Clinical Affairs for the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Enterprise VP of Urology at the Jefferson Health System, at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Brian T. Helfand, MD, PhD, is Chief of the Division of Urology and the Ronald L. Chez Family and Richard Melman Family Endowed Chair at NorthShore University HealthSystem. He is Director of the Personalized Prostate Program and Director of Clinical Research in the Program for Personalized Cancer Care (PPCC). He is also an active surgical scientist who is involved in the care of patients with prostate cancer. His clinical care and research is focused on the implementation of genetic tests and biomarker studies for prostate cancer.
Dr. Helfand completed his undergraduate degree at Emory University. He received his medical training and PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics from Northwestern University. He is a fellowship-trained urologic oncologist who has focused his research career on prostate cancer. He was recruited in 2011 from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, where he was faculty in the Department of Urology. Dr. Helfand is an internationally-known urologist and genomic translational researcher. He has received multiple grants from the NIH and has published over 140 peer-reviewed manuscripts in journals such as Nature Genetics, The Journal of Cell Biology, and Science Translational Medicine.
Dr. Helfand is involved in national and international research collaborations as an active member of the International Consortium for Prostate Cancer Genetics (ICPCG), the Prostate Cancer Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE), the IMPACT) study, and the Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN). His current research goals are focused on germline genetic variations and mutations. He is determined to use this information to assist in personal and informed clinical decision making about prostate cancer screening and treatment for patients and their family members.
