Optimizing Germline and Somatic Testing in Prostate Cancer

Genetic factors play a critical role in prostate cancer treatment planning, with both germline and somatic mutations guiding therapeutic decisions. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) remains committed to improving prostate cancer care and has developed the Metastatic Prostate Cancer Handbook: A Guide to Optimizing Outcomes with Germline and Somatic Testing. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Andrea Murphy, FNP-C, ACGN, CGRA, genetics nurse practitioner at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and Amy D. Smith, FNP-BC, director at Meredith & Jeannie Ray Cancer Center, about the impact this handbook has had on patient care delivery, measuring success during the pilot program, and recommendations for sustaining germline and somatic mutation testing in clinical practice.   "I think a lot of people were surprised, definitely with germline testing, that all metastatic patients met the criteria [for testing]…"– Andrea (Ani) Murphy, FNP-C, ACGN, CGRA   "The other thing that the [hand]book did is [give] us a good outline on what our deficiencies were, where we wanted to go with testing...and just pretty much set it up so that it was easy for us to follow." – Amy D. Smith, NP-BC   "Overall, I think the handbook could give anybody the guidance that they need to set up their own program." – Amy D. Smith, NP-BC   Andrea (Ani) Murphy, FNP-C, ACGN, CGRA  Nurse Practitioner – Genetics   Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center  Baton Rouge, LA    Amy D. Smith, FNP-BC  Director  Meredith & Jeannie Ray Cancer Center  Ivinson Memorial Hospital    Laramie, Wyoming    Resources: ACCC Metastatic Prostate Cancer Handbook: A Guide to Optimizing Outcomes with Germline and Somatic Testing  Understanding the Uptake and Challenges of Genetic Testing Guidelines for Prostate Cancer  NCCN Guidelines and Frameworks for Prostate Cancer ACCC Prostate Cancer Resources