Predictive, Data Analytics Used in Genomic Tests for Prostate Cancer

Using predictive and data analytics, University of Michigan researchers conducted a study that discovered a commercially available genomic test, Decipher Biopsy, could assist in identifying prostate cancer patients who are at high risk of aggressive prostate cancer progression.

When a biopsy comes back positive for prostate cancer, patients and medical professionals must make the decision to either “watch-and-wait,” also known as active surveillance, or to proceed with surgery or radiation.

However, identifying which patients will benefit from immediate and more aggressive treatment is not always clear. To improve patient care, researchers are using predictive analytic methods to determine what type of care an individual should receive, either an active surveillance method or moving forward with surgery or radiation. Through this process, researchers discovered the commercially available genomic Decipher Biopsy test independently aligned with study outcomes.

“We have long needed better tools to reduce the uncertainty of these initial treatment decisions,” study first author Randy Vince, Jr, MD, MS, said in a press release.

From February 2015 to October 2019, 855 patients participating in the state Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative registry underwent testing with the Decipher Biopsy test after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Of the 855 men, 264 proceeded with active surveillance (31 percent) and 454 (53 percent) received radical therapy.

According to the press release, the study is one of the first real-world, observational studies of a commercially available genomic test made to assist in the decision-making process after an initial diagnosis.

The clinical analysis showed that men with a high Decipher score who were placed on active surveillance had a shorter time before active treatment was needed. For those who underwent surgery to remove the prostate gland, high scores were associated with shorter time until their prostate-specific anti (PSA) levels increased again or when they started anti-androgen therapy, Vince said.

Additionally, other clinical trials are evaluating the use of the Decipher Biopsy test and other similar molecular using classifying tests in lower-risk prostate cancer to fully determine their clinical utility.

With these recent findings, providers can use the predictive analytic test to determine what method of care is best for newly diagnosed patients with prostate cancer, potentially improving outcomes and the quality of care.