Are there any prostate cancer markers that could enhance my treatment plan?
As you and your healthcare provider have created a prostate cancer treatment plan just for you, you may be wondering about prostate cancer marker tests (PCMs).
PCMs can provide additional insights about your prostate cancer and help inform what you choose to do next. At this waypoint, there are PCMs available if you:
- have already had a prostatectomy
- are deciding to move forward with radiation
- have had radiation and have undergone another biopsy and need more information about possible next steps
PCM Tests During Treatment
PCM tests can be done while you are undergoing prostate cancer treatment to help inform your decisions. If you have had a prostatectomy and have been classified as high risk for recurrence, mortality, and/or metastasis, the following PCMs could be helpful:
Decipher Prostate RP
This tissue-based test for high-risk patients helps determine the aggressiveness of a man’s prostate cancer and assess his personal risk of metastasis and mortality.
If you are considering radiation, you might consider the following tests to help inform your treatment plan. Or, if you have had radiation and underwent another biopsy, the following PCM tests could help you and your healthcare provider assess whether you may need additional treatment down the line. However, many radiation oncologists may want to wait until your PSA rises +2ng/ml above the lowest point after your radiation to see if further biopsies or treatment are necessary.
Decipher Biopsy
This tissue-based genomic test evaluates tumor aggressiveness and combines it with a man’s risk of metastasis and clinically validated prostate cancer-specific mortality risk.
Prolaris
This tissue-based PCM test assesses the prostate cancer tumor biology and aggressiveness. This test can be conducted with the same tissue collected during a prostate cancer biopsy.
Oncotype DX GPS
This tissue-based test looks for the activation of 17 specific genes associated with prostate cancer, providing insights for men with organ-confined prostate cancer.
Waypoint 4 FAQs
As you are actively treating your prostate cancer, you may have questions about PCMs, genetic testing, and more. Below is an initial list of frequently asked questions. You can also submit your question.
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.
If you have had a prostatectomy and are at risk of your cancer spreading or recurring, the following PCMs could be helpful:
- Decipher RP
- Prolaris RP
If your physician has recommended radiation to treat your prostate cancer, the following tests can help inform your treatment plan. Or, if you have had radiation and underwent another biopsy, these tissue-based tests could help you and your healthcare provider assess whether you may need additional treatment down the line. However, many radiation oncologists may want to wait until your PSA rises +2ng/ml above the lowest point after your radiation to see if further biopsies or treatment are necessary.