SKCC to Host 2019 Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference

An international panel of experts will identify the best approaches to implement genetic testing for men with prostate cancer

 

PHILADELPHIA — The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Jefferson Health (SKCC) will host the second International Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference, “Implementation of Genetic Testing for Inherited Prostate Cancer,” Oct. 4-5. This invitation-only scientific meeting will once again bring together more than 100 clinicians, researchers, national organizations, thought leaders, and patient advocates to review the rapidly evolving field of genetic testing in the management of prostate cancer.

 

This is a follow-up meeting to the inaugural Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus that SKCC convened in 2017. The conference brought together a multidisciplinary group of experts to address a genetic evaluation framework for inherited prostate cancer as the understanding of the genetics of inherited prostate cancer grows, in addition to the increasing availability of multigene panels that test for genes known to contribute to an increased risk of prostate and other cancers.

 

“As we continue to learn more about the genetics of prostate cancer, and how genetic results may inform how we screen, diagnose, and treat the disease, genetic testing has expanded to include a larger subset of men with prostate cancer,” said Veda Giri, MD, Co-chair of the Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus and Director of the Jefferson Clinical Cancer Genetics Service and the Men’s Genetic Risk Clinic at SKCC. “It is important for providers that have begun performing genetic testing to be aware of best practice recommendations to talk to their patients so that they can make an informed decision before testing and what to discuss with them when the test results return. Therefore, this consensus conference on implementation of genetic testing is critical at this time.”

 

The 2017 conference resulted in the first comprehensive set of recommendations to guide physicians about when to offer men genetic consultation for prostate cancer risk, which were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (J Clin Oncol. 2018 Feb 1;36(4):414-424). The article offered major recommendations on the evolving role of prostate cancer genetic testing that have been embraced by many medical organizations in the U.S. and internationally.

 

At the conclusion of this year’s meeting, the consensus participants will produce a manuscript to summarize the specifics on clinical implementation of genetic testing for prostate cancer similar to the previous article based on the 2017 Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus. The panel members will also define resources to be developed for patients and providers.

 

“Genetic testing for men with prostate cancer has become increasingly common,” said Leonard G. Gomella, MD, Co-chair of the Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus; Bernard W. Godwin Professor of Prostate Cancer; Chair, Department of Urology; Senior Director, Clinical Affairs at SKCC; and Clinical Director, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Network. “Our 2019 consensus group will help define the best approach to using these tests.”

 

Issues that will be addressed at this year’s conference include:

 

·         An update of genetic evaluation framework and genes associated with prostate cancer;

·         Delivery and incorporation of genetic testing and genetic counseling for men with all stages of prostate cancer—from active surveillance through treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer—for oncology and urology practices;

·         Delivery and incorporation of genetic testing and counseling for prostate cancer screening and risk assessment;

·         Approaches for cascade testing for family members of men who are mutation carriers;

·         Education strategies for urologic and oncologic providers; and

·         Identification of any gaps, such as the application of genetic testing in diverse populations such as African Americans, and defining future areas of study.

 

Additional details about the consensus conference are available in this article published in the Canadian Journal of Urology: Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus 2019: Implementation of Genetic Testing for Inherited Prostate Cancer

 

In addition, Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson will be delivering a keynote address at this year’s Prostate Cancer Consensus Meeting. Jackson is a former right fielder who played 21 seasons for the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and California Angels. He is offering his support for the clinical work and research contributions by the prostate cancer team at the NCI-designated Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center and extending his thanks to all the contributors to the 2019 meeting.

 

The speech will be a homecoming for Jackson; he is a Philadelphia area native who was raised in Wyncote, Pa., and graduated from Cheltenham High School and is considered one of the “All-Time Great Athletes from Philly,” by Major League Baseball. 

 

Follow the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Jefferson Health on Facebook facebook.com/sidneykimmelcancercenter/, Twitter @KimmelCancerCtr and Instagram @sidneykimmelcancercenter. Visit our website at www.sidneykimmelcancercenter.org.