Special Episode: Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR) Testing and Targeted Therapy in Prostate Cancer

Although molecular testing offers promising opportunities for diagnosis and targeted treatment of cancers, prostate cancer has lagged behind other types of cancer. Recently, homologous recombination repair testing in prostate cancer has provided a means to achieving targeted treatments for patients as well as opening new avenues of collaboration between pathologists and oncologists.On this episode of Inside the Lab, hosts Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP are joined by Heather Cheng, a medical oncologist and associate professor of hematology and oncology at the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and Colin Pritchard, molecular pathologist and professor of laboratory science and director of the Genetics and Solid Tumors Laboratory at the University of Washington Medical Center.Our panelists discuss the current treatment landscape for prostate cancer and how HRR testing can improve patient outcomes in this context.Topics Covered  An introduction to metastatic prostate cancer testing, and what types of tests are standard of care, and the rationale for targeting prostate cancer using PARPKey findings from recent phase III randomized clinical trialsStandards for optimal testing in prostate cancer, particularly concerning sample sources and the choice between next-generation sequencing (NGS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodscommon pitfalls or challenges in the arena of accurately reporting and interpreting findings from HRR testsPractical tips for optimal coordination among a multidisciplinary, cross-departmental team of healthcare providers and laboratory professionals when utilizing HRR testing in prostate cancer management.Connect with ASCPASCPASCP on FacebookASCP on InstagramASCP on Twitter Connect with Dr. ChengDr. Cheng on LinkedIn Connect with Dr. PritchardDr. Pritchard Connect with Ms. Swails & Dr. BrownMs. Swails on TwitterDr. Brown on Twitter ResourcesASCP Membership 2024Proposed FDA Regulation of Laboratory Developed TestsPublic Comment on the FDA’s Proposed RuleInside the Lab in the ASCP Store