The evolving role of germline genetic testing and management in prostate cancer: Report from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre international retreat

Prostate cancer is a significant cause of cancer mortality. It has been well-established that certain germline pathogenic variants confer both an increased risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and dying of prostate cancer.1 There are exciting developments in both the availability of genetic testing and opportunities for improved treatment of patients. On August 19, 2020, the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Ontario, hosted a virtual retreat, bringing together inter-national experts in urology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, medical genetics, and translational research, as well as a patient representative. We are pleased to provide this manuscript as a review of those proceedings for Canadian clinicians. We highlighted several needs for future research and policy action based on this meeting : 1) Increased access to funding for germline testing for the common genetic disorders associated with increased risk of prostate cancer. 2) More research into identifying genetic factors influencing risk stratification, treatment response, and outcomes of prostate cancer within Canadian populations at higher genetic risk for prostate cancer. 3) Added awareness about genetic risk factors among the Canadian public. 4) Development of patient-specific and reported outcomes research in tailored care for patients at increased genetic risk of prostate cancer. 5) Creation of multidisciplinary clinics that specialize in tailored care for patients at increased genetic risk of prostate cancer.

Automated summary

The conference highlighted the importance of increasing funding for genetic testing for common genetic disorders associated with prostate cancer risk, conducting research on genetic factors affecting risk stratification and treatment outcomes in Canadian populations at higher genetic risk, raising awareness about genetic risk factors among the Canadian public, developing patient-specific care for those at increased genetic risk of prostate cancer, and establishing multidisciplinary clinics for tailored care.