AUA/ASTRO Updated Guidelines Support Genomic Testing in Localized Prostate Cancer Cases

An updated clinical guideline from the American Urological Association (AUA) and the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) includes a new statement that is favorable for genomic testing to help guide care for men with localized prostate cancer. Specifically, the guideline authors cite extensive evidence, including from multiple phase 3 randomized clinical trials, which have previously demonstrated that the Decipher Prostate genomic risk score is strongly associated with important prostate cancer-specific and oncologic outcomes.

The updated guideline states that clinicians may selectively use tissue-based genomic biomarkers when added risk-stratification may alter clinical decision-making. The guideline specifically says, “Of note, accumulating evidence has indicated that GC [genomic classifier] scores, specifically Decipher, derived from biopsy specimens do correlate with cancer outcomes.”

“We are extremely pleased that this updated guideline recognizes the important role that genomic testing can play in determining treatment approaches for men with localized prostate cancer,” said Elai Davicioni, PhD, Veracyte’s medical director for Urology. “Notably, the guideline authors point to extensive data from multicenter, prospectively collected, phase 3 randomized trials that demonstrate association of Decipher Prostate test results with risk of distant metastasis and prostate-cancer-specific mortality. These include studies of patients on active surveillance to men with high-risk prostate cancer. We believe our test can give physicians and patients the clarity and confidence they need to select appropriate treatment approaches.”