Veda N. Giri, MD, presented “Implementation of Germline Testing for Prostate Cancer: Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference 2019” for the Grand Rounds in Urology audience in July, 2020. After her presentation, she was interviewed on the topic by E. David Crawford, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Grand Rounds in Urology (see second video, below).
Main Presentation – Summary:
Veda N. Giri, MD, Director of Cancer Risk Assessment and Clinical Cancer Genetics at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of Thomas Jefferson University, discusses the issues raised and the decisions reached about the implementation of germline testing at the 2019 Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference. She observes that the increasing indications for and rising role of genetic testing in prostate cancer have presented challenges to a field that has somewhat limited experience in this area. Dr. Giri summarizes the conclusions the voting participants came to, including recommendations on who should receive germline testing, which genes should be prioritized for testing, and who should be enrolled in precision medicine trials, among other topics. She particularly emphasizes the need for practices to be aware of, what should be discussed with men in terms of informed consent, and to have connections with genetic counselors in place so they can easily refer patients.
Q&A – Summary:
E. David Crawford, MD, Professor of Urology at the University of California, San Diego, asks Veda N. Giri, MD, Director of Cancer Risk Assessment and Clinical Cancer Genetics at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of Thomas Jefferson University, several follow-up questions about her presentation, “Implementation of Germline Testing for Prostate Cancer: Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference 2019.” When asked about how to decide which laboratory and which panel to use, Dr. Giri explains that it is important to use an experienced lab with strong policies in place for communicating about gene variant reclassifications and for handling insurance, and also notes that different patients will require different panels, depending on how much information they want. Dr. Crawford then asks about how to respond to patients who believe they are not at risk because of the results of commercial genetic tests like 23andMe, and Dr. Giri emphasizes that such tests are not comprehensive for mutations like BRCA. The conversation concludes with a discussion of whether online genetic counseling can fill in the gaps left by the shortage of genetic counselors.
For more information on genetic & germline testing for prostate cancer, visit our Next Generation Genomics & Biomarkers Learning Center.
How to cite: Giri, Veda N. “Implementation of Germline Testing for Prostate Cancer: Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference 2019” July, 2020. Accessed Dec 2024. https://dev.grandroundsinurology.com/implementation-of-germline-testing-for-prostate-cancer-philadelphia-prostate-cancer-consensus-conference-2019/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Veda N. Giri, MD, is an Associate Professor in Medical Oncology and Cancer Biology at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She is a medical oncologist with a clinical and research interest in inherited cancer risk assessment. Dr. Giri is also the Director of Cancer Risk Assessment and Clinical Cancer Genetics at Thomas Jefferson University. Her clinical efforts are focused on the genetic evaluation of inherited risk for GU cancers, specifically prostate, kidney, and upper tract urothelial cancers. Her research studies encompass genetic characterization of cancer risk using sequencing technologies, molecular signatures, and novel biomarkers to ultimately reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Her research also has a strong focus in cancer disparities. Dr. Giri received her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College, and proceeded to complete her Residency in Internal Medicine and Fellowship in Hematology-Oncology at the University of Michigan. She then completed advanced training in molecular cancer genetics at Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC). From 2006-2014, she directed prostate cancer risk assessment at FCCC, developing studies focused on evaluating the role of genetic markers in prostate cancer risk assessment. Dr. Giri has served on several national committees, including the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Prostate Cancer Early Detection Panel and NIH PDQ® Cancer Genetics Editorial Board, contributing expertise in cancer risk assessment and prostate cancer genetics.
