An assay used to determine cancer aggressiveness provided meaningful predictability associated with distant metastases (DM) and prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM), according to a study published in JCO Precision Oncology.

Genomic tests assess the ‘molecular architecture’ of cancer

The assay, known as Oncotype DX® Genomic Prostate Score (GPS), was developed by Cleveland Clinic researchers in partnership with Exact Sciences (formerly known as Genomic Health, Inc.) over a decade ago. The goal was to use high-end genomic technology, the same technology used to sequence the human genome, to identify molecular features of prostate cancer.

“This was the first time we created tools that allow us to directly assess the molecular architecture of early-stage prostate cancer in a way that it couldn’t be assessed before,” explains Eric Klein, MD, Chair of the Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute.

GPS is a diagnostic tool that allows urologic oncologists to personalize a patient’s course of treatment based on the tumor’s biology as measured by gene expression profiling. It helps identify candidates for active surveillance versus candidates for immediate therapy. Genomic testing – in conjunction with an MRI – is a standard of care in the evaluation of prostate cancer at Cleveland Clinic.

But the longer-term implications of these data points have been largely unknown — until recently. The JCO Precision Oncology study, led by Dr. Klein, is the first report to evaluate the predictive ability of GPS using long-term outcomes data.

Findings: GPS scores can predict long-term outcomes

Using a stratified cohort sampling method, the researchers examined 428 patients from 2,641 treated patients between 1987 and 2004. They looked at the GPS result assayed from radical prostatectomy tissue and compared it with the risk of DM and PCSM over 20 years following the procedure.

“Our findings revealed that lower GPS scores translate to a lower risk of metastases or prostate cancer-related mortality,” he says. “This should reassure physicians — and patients — that surveillance is safe.” Conversely, a higher score, above 29, is associated with a meaningful risk of metastasis or death.

Changing practice, removing clinical subjectivity

This study further solidifies genomic testing as a mainstay in the management of prostate cancer. Its ability to discriminate tumors’ molecular features can guide management strategies. Tumors with lower, more favorable scores can be carefully watched while higher, more concerning scores may warrant additional diagnostic procedures, closer follow-up or immediate treatment.

Dr. Klein says the data from this recent publication helps remove some clinical subjectivity. “These data indicate that decision-making can be dichotomized. Either you’re a good candidate for surveillance, or you’re not.”

He continues, noting that this study is more evidence that genomic tests provide clinically meaningful data. “The validity of these tests is well-documented, but we are starting to discover their clinical implications in the context of long-term outcomes — and this study shows the 20-year follow-up data to corroborate that.”