Doctors and researchers at Cleveland Clinic have published a study where they noted that approximately 20 percent of 3+3=6 prostate cancers harbor genomic alterations associated with an increased risk of metastatic disease. Molecular profiling may prove a valuable tool in enabling physicians and medical professionals to more accurately and reliably determine if active surveillance of prostate cancer is the best solution for a specific patient.
According to Dr. Eric Klein, Chair of Cleveland Clinic Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, “[The] study shows that men with prostate cancer stand to benefit from molecular profiling at the time of diagnosis, in conjunction with Gleason scoring and use of other prognostic tools, because it helps both to improve patient selection for active surveillance and inform treatment decisions for those who require immediate intervention.”
Utilizing the Decipher® test and blinded pathology assessments, this Cleveland Clinic study reveals that one-in-five prostate cancers with the lowest possible Gleason score (3+3=6) have molecular alterations consistent with aggressive disease and the potential to metastasize.
Connecting Molecular Profiling to Active Surveillance
Given the findings, Dr. Klein stated that with active surveillance representing the best option for many men with low-grade prostate cancer, the use of molecular profiling – to help identify which cancers might metastasize – will increase the effectiveness with which doctors select patients for active surveillance (versus a more immediate, aggressive form of treatment for prostate cancer.)
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Read the original article online: https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/2017/05/low-grade-prostate-cancers-show-molecular-features-aggressive-cancer/
