Genetic Testing in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) exhibits a significant hereditary element. Recent advancements have substantially enhanced our understanding of the genetic factors contributing to PCa susceptibility. Genomic studies have shown that a significant proportion of metastatic castration resistant PCa harbor mutations in homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes, with approximately 11% being of inherited origin. Emerging evidence suggests the efficacy of platinum chemotherapy and poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors in treating PCa with HRR gene deficiencies. Further, National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend genetic testing in specific clinical scenarios for men with PCa to identify potential hereditary cancer risks. In this chapter, we discuss the significance of genetic testing in PCa, elucidating its clinical implications, various strategies of genetic testing and its relevance in Asian populations.