We know that there is a genetic and familial connection with prostate cancer.
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, prostate cancer is one of the most hereditary cancers in nature. In fact, 58% of prostate cancers may have a genetic component to them.
Men with a close relative with prostate cancer may be twice as likely to become a prostate cancer patient themself. Those with two or more relatives with prostate cancer are four times as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. And that risk increases if the family member was diagnosed before the age of 60. Men may also be at risk for prostate cancer if they have a familial history of other cancers like breast, ovarian, pancreatic or colon cancer.
According to UT Southwestern Medical Center, genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, seen in breast and ovarian cancer, can also increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. So can mutations like CHEK2, HOXB13, and ATM.
A 2019 study of 3,600 men published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Oncology, found that 17% of those men had an inherited genetic mutation, which may have been a contributing factor to their cancers.
And a study just published early this month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows one particular gene called MDA-9/Syntenin-1/SDCBP may be the culprit behind the spread and metastasis of prostate cancer.
So, what can, or should a man do with genomic testing information?
The answer: Make informed decisions about screening and treatment options as doctors work to increase knowledge of these genetic markers and the testing reliability.
That’s especially true given a study in NPJ Precision Oncology stating: “A better understanding of the value of genetic testing for prostate cancer susceptibility in screening, for early detection and prevention is necessary.”
Genomic Testing for Prostate Cancer
Genetic testing for prostate cancer is available now. It may help a man decide on how often to get screened and what treatment may be the best option if diagnosed. It can also help inform relatives of prostate cancer patients of their risks.
Genetic counseling is available for men diagnosed with the disease, who have a family history, those who want to understand their risks and those where the disease has spread.
Blood and saliva tests are often done in conjunction with a thorough health and family history.
Genetic Testing Results
According to an article from the American Urological Association, genetic testing is leading to more targeted care for prostate cancer patients.
“Many men are surprised to hear inherited genes can play a major role in prostate cancer,” Dr. Todd Morgan, Associate Professor of Urology at the University of Michigan said in the article. “But when I talk with men who may benefit from testing about why they should consider it, they often decide to get tested in order to receive more health information that can help them, and their family make vital health decisions.”
Genetic testing is recommended for two groups of men:
- Those with localized prostate cancer who have a family history of breast, colon, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer.
- Those with metastatic prostate cancer to help inform treatment options.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Near Me: CyberKnife Miami
If you or someone you love is diagnosed with prostate cancer, contact the experts at the CyberKnife Center of Miami for a consultation.
CyberKnife Miami uses a highly targeted form of radiation known as stereotactic body radiation therapy or SBRT.
With CyberKnife, the treatment success rate is 98% for prostate cancer. It is so successful because it kills tumors with targeted precision and accuracy while leaving healthy tissue unaffected.
According to Accuray, the Maker of CyberKnife, there are several other reasons a patient should consider prostate cancer treatment with CyberKnife.
- There is less risk of side effects including impotence and incontinence for patients.
- There are close to 100 peer-reviewed articles about CyberKnife.
- CyberKnife moves with the patient to make sure the tumor is the only thing targeted.
- There are excellent five-and-12-year disease-free survival rates in low-risk patients.
- This is an outpatient non-invasive procedure with no anesthesia.
- Treatment takes only five treatment sessions instead of up to 42 with traditional radiation.
At CyberKnife Miami, we treat patients from across South Florida, the United States and even around the world.
If you would like to find out more about prostate cancer treatment with CyberKnife, call us at 305-279-2900 or go to our prostate cancer website now for more information.