An Advanced Diagnostic Tool for Detecting Prostate Cancer on a Cellular Level through Genomic Prostate Cancer Testing
At Sperling Prostate Center, we are committed to exploring all available methods for detecting cancer in order to find the earliest, most accurate, and least invasive ways to identify the disease. As part of this innovative approach, we have incorporated a cutting-edge diagnostic tool into our program that includes genomic testing when appropriate.
Did you know that up to 1 in 4 men with negative biopsy results may still have prostate cancer? This is because traditional TRUS biopsies are highly limited, sampling less than 1% of the entire prostate gland. We recommend 3T Multi-Parametric MRI-guided biopsies due to their real-time 3D tumor visualization, which greatly enhances targeting accuracy and reduces invasiveness.
Now, with the addition of epigenetic analysis, we are able to offer even greater diagnostic precision—and provide peace of mind for our patients.
ConfirmMDx Genomic Analysis for prostate cancer works at the DNA level, helping to differentiate between true-negative biopsies and those that may have missed hidden or very early-stage cancers. This process identifies the “Field Effect”—an epigenetic change, or “halo,” around the cancerous areas at the DNA level. This halo can be present even when cancer cells appear normal under a microscope or MRI. Since these molecular changes cannot be detected by standard microscopy or advanced mpMRI, ConfirmMDx offers valuable insight into whether cancer is truly absent or potentially present in hidden areas.
If the presence of a halo is detected, we use additional laboratory analyses to build a more detailed genomic profile of the disease and assess the patient’s risk level:
- Oncotype Dx – After a prostate biopsy, tissue samples can be further analyzed with Oncotype Dx, which evaluates the activity of specific cancer genes. The result is a Genomic Prostate Score that indicates the likelihood of cancer progression and spread if left untreated. This analysis helps patients considering Active Surveillance or those who will undergo treatment to make well-informed decisions.
- ProstaVysion – This test also uses biopsy tissue to analyze a sequence of genes to determine the genetic aggression of the cancer. By assessing the risk of future growth and spread, it provides valuable guidance, especially for patients considering Active Surveillance.
- Prolaris – Instead of focusing on gene sequencing, Prolaris measures how quickly cancer cells are dividing to assess their aggressiveness. This analysis is especially helpful for patients with low-risk disease based on biopsy results, providing additional clarity. Prolaris is also commonly used after radical prostatectomy to evaluate the likelihood of cancer recurrence, helping determine if additional treatments like radiation or hormone therapy are necessary after surgery.