Prevalence of Suspected Hereditary Cancer Syndromes and Germline Mutations Among a Diverse Cohort of Probands Reporting a Family History of Prostate Cancer: Toward Informing Cascade Testing for Men

Facilitators of, and barriers to, prostate cancer screening uptake: A descriptive phenomenological study of adult men in Namibia

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer poses a significant health risk for aging men, with a higher prevalence observed in individuals aged 40 and above. The objectives of this study were to describe the facilitators of, and barriers to, prostate cancer screening among men between the ages of 50 and 70.

METHODS

The study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological design. Data were collected at the oncology and urology departments of an intermediate hospital in Oshana region, Namibia using a semi-structured interview guide. Individual, face-to-face interviews were held between September and October 2022, after which the data gathered were analyzed thematically following Colaizzi's 7-step method.

RESULTS

Fifteen (15) participants took part in this study. The two major themes that were generated were: (1) Value of early detection, which described the participants' perceptions regarding the facilitators of prostate cancer screening; and (2) Potential threats to PCa screening, which described the participants' perceptions regarding the barriers to taking up cancer screening.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed modifiable barriers to PCa screening, including fear of stigmatization, lack of knowledge, and insufficient screening access, as well as facilitators that can be strengthened for successful prostate cancer screening, such as advanced age, history of prostate cancer, and social support. These findings emphasize the need to implement gender-specific campaigns that address masculinity, lack of knowledge, and cultural stigmatization.

Annual mpMRI surveillance: PI-RADS upgrading and increasing trend correlated with patients who harbor clinically significant disease

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer screening has routinely identified men with very low- or low-risk disease, per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Current literature has demonstrated that the most appropriate management strategy for these patients is active surveillance (AS). The mainstay of AS includes periodic biopsies and biannual prostate-specific antigen tests. However, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is uniquely posed to improve patient surveillance. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of an annual mpMRI in patients on AS, focusing on radiologic upgrading and Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) trends as indicators of clinically significant disease.

METHODS

This prospective, single intuition, study enrolled 208 patients on AS who had at least two biopsies and 1 mpMRI with a median follow-up of 5.03 years. The main outcome variable was time to Gleason grade (GG) reclassification.

RESULTS

After delineating patients on their initial PI-RADS score, men with score 3 and 5 lesions at first MRI had comparable GG reclassification-free survival to their counterparts. Conversely, men with initial PI-RADS 4 lesions showed a lower 5-year GG reclassification-free survival compared to those with PI-RADS score 1-2. The cohort was then subset to 70 patients who obtained ≥2 mpMRIs on protocol. Men experiencing uptrending mpMRI scores had an increased risk of GG reclassification, with a 35.4% difference in 5 year GG reclassification-free survival probability on the Kaplan-Meier curve analysis.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study demonstrates that for men on AS with stable recapitulated disease, an annual MRI may replace repeat biopsies after confirmatory sampling has been obtained. On the other hand, men who initiate AS with PI-RADS 4 and/or who display uptrending mpMRI scores require periodic biopsies along with repeat imaging. This study highlights the utility of integrating an annual MRI into AS protocols, thus promising a more effective approach to management.

Racial Differences in Germline Genetic Testing for Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Testing for pathogenic variants can aid in oncologic risk stratification and identification of targeted therapies. Despite known disparities in access to prostate cancer (PCa) care, little has been written about access to germline genetic testing (GGT) for Black men and other historically marginalized populations. This systematic review sought to delineate racial/ethnic disparities in GGT for PCa.

METHODS

This systematic review identified articles published from January 1996 through May 2021 in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. We included studies that reported rates of GGT in men with PCa in the United States by race/ethnicity as reflective of routine clinical care or research. A narrative synthesis was performed.

RESULTS

Of 4,309 unique records, 91 studies examining 50 unique study populations met inclusion criteria. Of these, four populations included men who received GGT through routine clinical care, accounting for 4,415 men (72.6% White and 7.2% Black). The other 46 populations included men who received GGT as part of a research study, accounting for 30,824 men (64.3% White and 21.6% Black). Of these 46 research populations, 19 used targeted methods to increase recruitment from a specific demographic.

CONCLUSION

Most studies that report GGT rates by race/ethnicity are in research settings. Many of these studies used targeted recruitment methods and subsequently have a greater proportion of Black men than clinical and US population-based studies. Other historically marginalized populations are not well represented. There remains a knowledge gap regarding the extent of racial disparities in the use of GGT, particularly in the clinical setting.

Immune mechanisms behind prostate cancer in men of African ancestry: A review

BACKGROUND

Men of African ancestry (AA) with prostate cancer suffer from worse outcomes. However, a recent analysis of patients treated with the dendritic cell vaccine sipuleucel-T for prostate cancer suggested that AA patients could have improved outcomes relative to whites.

METHODS

We conducted a focused literature review of Medline-indexed articles and clinical trials listed on clinicaltrials.gov.

RESULTS

We identify several studies pointing to enrichment of inflammatory cellular infiltrates and cytokine signaling among AA patients with prostate cancer. We outline potential genomic and transcriptomic alterations that may contribute to immunogenicity. Last, we investigate differences in host immunity and vaccine responsiveness that may be enhanced in AA patients.

CONCLUSIONS

AA patients with prostate cancer may be enriched for an immunogenic phenotype. Dedicated studies are needed to better understand the immune mechanisms that contribute to existing cancer disparities and test immune-based therapies in this population.

Basic Science and Molecular Genetics of Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness

Androgen receptor function, tumor cell plasticity, loss of tumor suppressors, and defects in DNA repair genes affect aggressive features of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer development, progression, and aggressive behavior are often attributable to function of the androgen receptor. Tumor cell plasticity, neuroendocrine features, and loss of tumor suppressors lend aggressive behavior to prostate cancer cells. DNA repair defects have ramifications for prostate cancer cell behavior.

Germline Predisposition to Prostate Cancer in Diverse Populations

There remains a paucity of data related to germline genetic alterations predisposing patients to prostate cancer. Recent data suggest that African American, Hispanic, and Asian and Pacific Islander men exhibit genetic alterations in both highly penetrant germline genes, including BRCA1/2, ATM, and CHEK2, and the mismatch repair genes associated with Lynch syndrome, as well as low-penetrant single-nucleotide polymorphisms. However, cohort sizes remain small in many studies limiting the ability to determine clinical significance, appropriate risk stratification, and treatment implications in these diverse populations.

Recent Insights on Genetic Testing in Primary Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in developed countries. The results of large trials indicate that the proportion of PCa attributable to hereditary factors is as high as 15%, highlighting the importance of genetic testing. Despite improved understanding of the prevalence of pathogenic variants among men with PCa, it remains unclear which men will most benefit from genetic testing. In this review, we summarize recent evidence on genetic testing in primary PCa and its impact on routine clinical practice. We outline current guideline recommendations on genetic testing, most importantly, for mutations in BRCA1/2, MMR, CHEK2, PALB2, and HOXB13 genes, as well as various single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with an increased risk of developing PCa. The implementation of genetic testing in clinical practice, especially in young patients with aggressive tumors or those with positive family history, represents a new challenge for the coming years and will identify men with pathogenic variants who may benefit from early screening/intervention and specific therapeutic options.

High mortality risk of prostate cancer patients in Asia and West Africa: A systematic review

Globally, prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most preponderant cancer in men. It contributes to the high mortality-to-incidence ratio reported in West Africa and Asia largely due to low screening. The mortality risk is determined or predicted based on the prevalence of high-risk or aggressive PCa using a scoring or grading system such as Gleason score (GS), Gleason grade (GG), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. In this review, peer-reviewed articles found on databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed Central and, EMBASE were selected based on adherence to clinical guidelines for the classification of PCa. In West Africa and Asia, the result revealed that the frequency of high-risk PCa was 42% and 51.2% based on GS, 48.8% and 25.3% based on GG pattern, and 87.5% and 44.3% based on PSA level >10 ng/mL, respectively. Data revealed a high prevalence of high-risk PCa both in West Africa and Asia when compared with developed countries. However, the prevalence of high-risk PCa is higher in West Africa than in Asia. Studies have shown that high-risk PCas are associated with germline mutations and such mutations are prevalent in blacks and Asians than in whites. Thus, testing for germline mutations in patients with GS of ≥ 7, GG ≥ 3, high prostate density, low prostate volume, and PSA levels of >4.0 ng/mL may identify those at risk of developing lethal PCa and could reduce the mortality rates in Asia and West Africa.

Implementation of Germline Testing for Prostate Cancer: Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference 2019

PURPOSE

Germline testing (GT) is a central feature of prostate cancer (PCA) treatment, management, and hereditary cancer assessment. Critical needs include optimized multigene testing strategies that incorporate evolving genetic data, consistency in GT indications and management, and alternate genetic evaluation models that address the rising demand for genetic services.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary consensus conference that included experts, stakeholders, and national organization leaders was convened in response to current practice challenges and to develop a genetic implementation framework. Evidence review informed questions using the modified Delphi model. The final framework included criteria with strong (> 75%) agreement (Recommend) or moderate (50% to 74%) agreement (Consider).

RESULTS

Large germline panels and somatic testing were recommended for metastatic PCA. Reflex testing-initial testing of priority genes followed by expanded testing-was suggested for multiple scenarios. Metastatic disease or family history suggestive of hereditary PCA was recommended for GT. Additional family history and pathologic criteria garnered moderate consensus. Priority genes to test for metastatic disease treatment included BRCA2, BRCA1, and mismatch repair genes, with broader testing, such as ATM, for clinical trial eligibility. BRCA2 was recommended for active surveillance discussions. Screening starting at age 40 years or 10 years before the youngest PCA diagnosis in a family was recommended for BRCA2 carriers, with consideration in HOXB13, BRCA1, ATM, and mismatch repair carriers. Collaborative (point-of-care) evaluation models between health care and genetic providers was endorsed to address the genetic counseling shortage. The genetic evaluation framework included optimal pretest informed consent, post-test discussion, cascade testing, and technology-based approaches.

CONCLUSION

This multidisciplinary, consensus-driven PCA genetic implementation framework provides novel guidance to clinicians and patients tailored to the precision era. Multiple research, education, and policy needs remain of importance.

Rare Germline Pathogenic Mutations of DNA Repair Genes Are Most Strongly Associated with Grade Group 5 Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

Rare germline mutations in several genes, primarily DNA repair genes, have been proposed to predict worse prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa).

OBJECTIVE

To compare the frequency of germline pathogenic mutations in commonly assayed PCa genes between high- and low-grade PCa in patients initially presenting with clinically localized disease.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective case-case study of 1694 PCa patients who underwent radical prostatectomy at Johns Hopkins Hospital, including 706 patients with high-grade (grade group [GG] 4 and GG5) and 988 patients with low-grade (GG1) disease. Germline DNA was sequenced for 13 candidate PCa genes using a targeted next-generation sequencing assay by Ambry Genetics.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Carrier rates of pathogenic mutations were compared between high- and low-grade PCa patients using the Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Overall, the carrier rate of germline pathogenic mutations in the 13 genes was significantly higher in high-grade patients (8.64%) than in low-grade patients (3.54%, p = 9.98 × 10^-6). Individually, significantly higher carrier rates for patients with high- versus low-grade PCa were found for three genes: ATM (2.12% and 0.20%, respectively, p = 9.35 × 10^-5), BRCA2 (2.55% and 0.20%, respectively, p = 8.99 × 10^-6), and MSH2 (0.57% and 0%, respectively, p = 0.03). The mutation carrier rate was significantly higher in patients with GG5 than in patients with GG1 disease for the 13 genes overall (13.07% and 3.54%, respectively, p = 1.27 × 10^-9); for the three genes ATM, BRCA2, and MSH2 (7.73% and 0.40%, respectively, p = 3.20 × 10^-13); and for the remaining nine DNA repair genes (5.07% and 2.43%, respectively, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In men undergoing treatment for clinically localized disease, pathogenic mutations in 13 commonly assayed genes, especially ATM, BRCA2, and MSH2, are most strongly associated with GG5 PCa. These findings emphasize the importance of genetic testing in men with high-grade PCa, particularly GG5 disease, to inform both treatment decisions and familial risk assessment.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Prostate cancer in men with inherited mutations in 13 commonly assayed susceptibility genes is more likely to be high-grade, high-risk disease.