Genetics and Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer and Bladder Cancer

Alan H. Bryce, MD, Medical Director of the Genomic Oncology Clinic at Mayo Clinic Arizona in Scottsdale, discusses genetics and biomarkers for prostate cancer and bladder cancer. Genetic testing is now considered part of best practice for the treatment of cancer, but even still the topic can be confusing due to the number of different test types and scenarios. In order to combat this confusion, it is important that urologists continue to educate themselves on the matter. Dr. Bryce discusses the purpose of using either germline or somatic tests and the different information they can tell us. He goes into particular detail about the somatic test and how useful it can be in determining which targeted therapies to use for both prostate and bladder cancer. Finally, he also offers some advice on best practices for utilizing the somatic test including: testing every patient, always using a fresh biopsy, and retesting before each line of systemic therapy.