What is the Ambry Score genetic test?
The Ambry Score is a genetic prostate cancer marker (PCM) that serves as a complementary test to other PCM tests, like the ProstateNext test.
The Ambry Score is a unique genetic prostate cancer marker (PCM) that works in conjunction with other PCMs, like the ProstateNext test, to provide additional insights. The Ambry Score is a polygenic risk score (PRS). A PRS test screens for genetic variants to determine a man’s risk of having developed or risk of eventually developing prostate cancer. At the current time, the test is only available for men of Northern European descent.
The Ambry Score takes into account a patient’s age at testing, his ethnicity, and 72 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A SNP is an error that exists in a person’s genetic code, or DNA. These SNPs are unique to each individual and are inherited. Through researching populations of men, scientists identified these 72 SNPs as being associated with prostate cancer risk.
Ambry Score Video
Learn more about the Ambry Score test, which can provide additional information for patients who may be at risk of developing prostate cancer.
Understanding Your Ambry Score Results
The Ambry Score can provide additional insights when used alongside other genetic tests like ProstateNext. See a sample Ambry Score results report and learn how to interpret this report. Please note that results from the Ambry Score should always be reviewed with a healthcare provider or genetic counselor first.
Ambry Score FAQs
Below is an initial list of frequently asked questions about the Ambry Score. You can also submit your question.
The PSA test cannot differentiate between prostate cancer and non-cancerous (benign) conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Men who receive a PSA level above 1.5 ng/ML should discuss additional biomarker testing with their healthcare providers prior to considering a prostate biopsy.
Prostate cancer biomarkers (PCMs) are molecules found in blood, tissue, or body fluids. PCMs are revolutionary new, non-invasive diagnostic tests that may help your healthcare provider decide if your prostate cancer is in fact low risk, if something more aggressive may be lurking in your prostate, or if there are hot spots in the prostate that may need to be re-evaluated upon biopsy. PCMs also can help you and your healthcare provider determine the most appropriate treatment for your cancer.
There are many factors that will make one prostate cancer marker test better suited for individual cases. Many times, individuals who have never had a biopsy or had low to intermediate grade prostate cancer (Gleason 3+3=6 or 3+4=7) diagnosed on a biopsy are well suited for blood or urine prostate cancer markers, whereas individuals who have persistently negative biopsies or a biopsy of intermediate to high grade cancer may benefit from tissue prostate cancer markers. Use this interactive questionnaire to see what tests may be right for you. Once you’ve completed the questionnaire, discuss the results with your healthcare provider. Also be sure to check out our Patient Journey section that may help you decide which test is right for you.
Although there are many factors that contribute to your healthcare provider’s decision to conduct a prostate biopsy, there are several urinary and blood based PCMs that may help guide you and your physician through the decision of conducting a prostate biopsy. These include:
Genetic tests also may be worth considering if you have a family history of prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer or colorectal cancer. These genetic tests are recommended for men who are determined through genetic counseling to be at potential risk for hereditary cancer:
Men of Northern European ancestry with a personal and/or family history of any of the following conditions should talk to their healthcare providers about adding the Ambry Score as a supplementary test with other genetic testing:
- early-onset (<50) or metastatic prostate cancer
- more than 1 person in your immediate family with prostate, pancreatic, breast or ovarian cancers
- no personal or family history of a mutation in a prostate cancer susceptibility gene, including ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, EPCAM, HOXB13, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, NBN, PALB2, PMS2, RAD51D, TP53
The Ambry Score is known as a polygenic risk score (PRS), which means it can evaluate the genetic variants you inherited at birth, coupled with your age and ethnicity, to determine your individual risk of having developed or eventually developing prostate cancer. The Ambry Score is used in combination with other tests, such as ProstateNext.
The Ambry Score analyzes 72 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A SNP is an error that exists in your DNA, or genetic code. SNPs are typically inherited from your parents and are unique to each person. Research has shown these 72 SNPs are associated with prostate cancer risk.
Test results for Ambry Score are presented in the following fashion:
- Unaffected males (no current prostate cancer diagnosis):
- Average remaining lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer (0-10.2%)
- Above average remaining lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer (>10.2%)
- Affected males (current prostate cancer diagnosis):
- Average PRS Score (≤ 1)
- Above average PRS Score (>1)
A PRS Score of above 1 suggests that your cancer may have occurred as a result of an error related to the 72 SNPs, as well as other factors, associated with prostate cancer development. A PRS Score of less than or equal to 1 suggests that your cancer likely did not occur as a result of an error related to the 72 SNPs associated with prostate cancer development.
Results from the Ambry Score, along with other personal risk factors and PCMs, can be used by you and your healthcare provider to develop a customized monitoring or treatment plan specific to your risk profile. See a sample Ambry Score report and learn more about how to interpret them.
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Explore more information about the Ambry Score.