Using the Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score to Decide if You Are A Candidate for Active Surveillance

Written Transcript at:
https://www.cancerabcs.org/transcript-oncotype-prostate-sore-and-active-surveillance

Mr. Anson Tharayanil, a Medical Science Liaison from Genomic Health rejoins Joel Nowak from Cancer ABCs to talk about another test for men diagnosed with low or favorable medium risk prostate cancer, the Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score.

The test should be used along side the traditional measures we use like biopsy Gleason Grade and scans to help a man decide if he is a good candidate for Active Surveillance (AS) as opposed to having surgical or a radiation intervention.  

Biopsies only sample 1% of a man's prostate gland, so as a stand alone measure it does not provide us with an accurate understanding of the aggressiveness of a man's prostate cancer.  When added to the other measures, we traditionally still fall far short of accurately knowing which prostate cancers need immediate treatment and which can be monitored.  

Research shows that at least 20% of men who qualify for AS using the traditional measures if they go on and have surgery they find that their cancer is actually a lion in sheep's clothing, or is very dangerous. 

The Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score has been well validated and should automatically be used by any man who is trying to decide if they are a good candidate for Active Surveillance. 

Support the show