Veda Giri, MD, outlines recent review on germline testing in prostate cancer

In a recent interview with Urology Times®, Veda N. Giri, MD, outlined key points addressed in her recent review on the current state of germline testing in prostate cancer.¹

“We wanted to make sure we were touching upon 3 areas: laying the groundwork [by discussing] what the guidelines are, how we can think about implementation strategies that are traditional or more alternative but responsibly done, and then third, thinking about this for reducing disparities,” Giri explained.

Giri is a professor of internal medicine in medical oncology, the director of the Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program at Yale Cancer Center Smilow Cancer Hospital, and the director of the Early Onset Cancer Program at Yale Cancer Center in New Haven, Connecticut.

Giri began the discussion by noting that the guidelines for germline testing have expanded, offering more patients the opportunity to assess their risk. The review details both the national and international guidelines on genetic testing in prostate cancer, which Giri said was an effort to “see where there's commonalities and where there's opportunities to think about working together [on] more collaborations or learning from each other.”

Giri also detailed some of the current limitations to genetic testing, such as the lack of access to genetic counselors. The expansion of guidelines has overwhelmed genetic counseling programs, which has created the need to develop and implement alternative methods of care delivery. 

Lastly, the review outlines considerations for germline testing in the context of persistent disparities in prostate cancer care and outcomes.

REFERENCE

1. Loeb S, Vadaparampil ST, Giri VN. Germline testing for prostate cancer: current state and opportunities for enhanced access. EBioMedicine. 2025:116:105705. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105705