Decipher Test for Prostate Cancer in Pittsburgh, PA and Weirton, WV
The Decipher Test is a genomic test that analyzes the activity of specific genes in prostate cancer to assess its aggressiveness and predict outcomes. This test helps patients and their doctors make informed decisions about treatment options, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or active surveillance.
What is the Decipher Test?
The Decipher Test examines the activity of 22 genes associated with prostate cancer progression and metastasis. It generates a score called the Decipher Genomic Classifier (GC), which predicts the likelihood of the cancer spreading (metastasis) or recurring after treatment.
When is the Decipher Test Used?
Prostate-specific testing plays a vital role in managing localized prostate cancer, offering patients valuable insights when deciding between active surveillance, surgery, or radiation. By closely monitoring cancer activity, these tests help inform personalized treatment plans to ensure the best outcomes for each individual.
For patients who have undergone surgery, such as a prostatectomy, testing is essential in evaluating the risk of cancer recurrence. These assessments help determine whether additional treatments, like radiation, may be necessary to prevent the cancer from returning and to support long-term health.
In cases of advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, testing becomes a critical tool in guiding treatment strategies and evaluating prognosis. By providing detailed information about the progression of the disease, these tests enable urologists to tailor therapies to the patient’s unique condition, improving both quality of life and survival outcomes.
How Does the Test Work?
The test begins with sample collection, utilizing prostate tissue that has already been obtained during a biopsy or surgery. Since no additional procedures are necessary, the process is straightforward and non-invasive for the patient.
Once the sample is prepared, a genomic analysis is performed to examine the activity of 22 specific genes within the tissue. This analysis provides critical insights into the biological behavior of the cancer, helping to determine its potential aggressiveness and progression.
The final result is presented as a risk score ranging from 0 to 1, offering a clear assessment of the cancer’s likelihood of metastasis or recurrence. A score between 0.0 and 0.45 indicates low risk, 0.46 to 0.60 reflects intermediate risk, and 0.61 to 1.0 signifies a higher likelihood of aggressive disease. This scoring system helps guide personalized treatment decisions for optimal care.
Benefits of the Decipher Test
1. Personalized Treatment Decisions:
Helps determine whether active surveillance or aggressive treatment is appropriate.
2. Avoids Overtreatment:
Reduces unnecessary treatments for low-risk cancers.
3. Improved Outcomes:
Guides the use of additional therapies, like radiation or hormone therapy, to improve long-term outcomes for high-risk patients.
Evidence Supporting the Decipher Test
The Decipher Genomic Classifier is recognized for its proven accuracy, with studies demonstrating its ability to reliably predict the risk of metastasis and recurrence. This advanced genomic tool outperforms traditional clinical measures such as PSA levels and Gleason scores, offering patients and clinicians a more precise understanding of prostate cancer progression.
This classifier is also endorsed by leading medical organizations, including the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). These endorsements highlight its value in guiding prostate cancer treatment decisions and ensuring personalized, evidence-based care for patients.
Schedule a Decipher Test Today
In Pittsburgh, PA, and Weirton, WV, urologists are offering the Decipher Test to provide patients with valuable insights into their prostate cancer. This genomic test helps guide treatment decisions and improve outcomes by assessing cancer aggressiveness and the likelihood of recurrence or metastasis. To learn more or schedule an appointment, please contact your local urologist.
References
1. Ross, A.E., et al.
Genomic Classifier Predicts Metastasis Following Radical Prostatectomy in Men with Intermediate and High-Risk Prostate Cancer.
The Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2015.
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2014.59.0026
• Demonstrates the test’s ability to predict metastasis after surgery.
2. Dalela, D., et al.
Genomic Classifier Augments the Role of Clinical Risk Factors in Predicting Post-Prostatectomy Cancer Outcomes.
European Urology, 2017.
DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2016.08.041
• Discusses how Decipher complements traditional risk factors.
3. Den, R.B., et al.
Genomic Classifier Identifies Men at Risk for Metastasis Following Postoperative Salvage Radiation Therapy.
International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics, 2015.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2015.05.013
• Highlights the role of Decipher in guiding post-surgery radiation therapy.
4. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
Prostate Cancer Guidelines.
• Recommends genomic tests like Decipher to guide treatment decisions in prostate cancer.
By providing personalized information about your cancer’s behavior, the Decipher Test empowers you and your doctor to make confident, informed treatment decisions tailored to your unique situation.