Prostate Cancer

New Targets in Development: Prostate biopsy test to guide selection of active surveillance or surgery/radiation for early-stage prostate cancer: Early development
U.S. Incidence of Prostate Cancer 228,000/Year1
Global Incidence of Prostate Cancer 680,000/Year2

About Prostate Cancer

Since the prostate is a part of the male reproductive system, this type of cancer occurs in men only. It is the most common cancer among U.S. males and is responsible for more deaths in men than any other cancer except for lung cancer. For most men diagnosed with prostate cancer localized to the prostate, current treatment includes surgery or radiation.

Current Prostate Cancer Treatment Paradigm and Potential Impact of Testing

A number of factors, including genetics and diet, have been implicated in the development of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is typically slow-growing, generally affects men over 60 (but can occur in younger men) and is primarily diagnosed at an early-stage because of an abnormally elevated PSA in the blood) test. Because of these factors, men with prostate cancer often die not of the cancer, but of other causes. As a result, prostate cancer patients are confronted with the difficult decision to pursue treatments which can cause significant lasting side effects for a disease which, in most cases, will not impact them clinically in their lifetime. A test which would provide insight into the individual biology and behavior of newly diagnosed prostate cancers is greatly needed to better inform treatment planning for prostate cancer patients and their physicians, particularly to identify patients who are at low risk of disease progression and would thus be ideal candidates for close monitoring (otherwise known as active surveillance).

About Genomic Health's Prostate Cancer Test in Development

Genomic Health is working to develop such tests that used in conjunction with the Gleason Score and other clinical parameters, will allow the right prostate cancer patients to get active surveillance and the right patients to be treated aggressively with surgery or radiation therapy. A study involving over 400 patients looking at more than 700 candidate genes is currently underway.

Learn more about additional Genomic Health products in development:

For more information about prostate cancer, visit the National Cancer Institute´s Prostate Cancer page or the nonprofit group Prostate Cancer Foundation Website.
  1. Mattson Jack, CancerMPact August 2009 (2010 incidence).
  2. Globocan 2002.
Prostate Cancer Patients