Testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 now available to guide treatment options for prostate cancer patients

In accordance with NICE guidance, testing of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can now be performed on tumour samples and/or blood samples from prostate cancer patients in Wales. Patients with pathogenic variants in BRCA1 or BRCA2 may benefit from treatment with PARP inhibitor drugs.

For some of these patients there will additionally be implications for family members. These patients will be managed within the All Wales Medical Genomics Service. Testing of family members for the variant can be offered and a variety of risk management options are available.