?? A Nerdy Revelation: My Endless Quest for Better Prostate Cancer Care
Joy Maulik Urology NP/ Lean Six Sigma GB
Transforming Prostate Cancer Care
I’m genuinely thankful to one of my colleagues for sharing the article?"Implementation of Universal Germline Genetic Testing Into Standard of Care for Patients With Prostate Cancer: The Time Is Now"?(Shore et al., JCO Oncology Practice). If you’ve ever felt the pull of a professional niche that you didn’t realize you were gravitating toward, that’s me with prostate cancer and men’s health. For the past six years, I’ve been on a relentless mission to learn, grow, and contribute to this field.
Somewhere along this journey, I’ve become a self-proclaimed “nerd” (??) about advancing care, and articles like this feed my hunger to do more. So here I am, sharing this passion and engaging with all of you about how we can elevate our practices and improve outcomes for our patients.
? How Are We Doing in Practice? Let’s take a moment to ask ourselves some critical questions:
???Are we proactively adjusting our screening protocols for patients with increased PSA velocity, even if their PSA is in the “normal” range?
???How diligent are we in capturing comprehensive family histories to assess hereditary cancer risks?
???Are we effectively incorporating Germline genetic testing into our standard of care?
???How well are we addressing disparities in care, particularly for underserved populations?
???Do we fully understand the implications of pathogenic Germline variants (PGVs) for our treatment plans?
???Are we educating our patients about the value of cascade testing for their family members?
???How do we ensure equitable access to genetic testing for all our patients, irrespective of race or socioeconomic status?
???What steps are we taking to close gaps between guideline-restricted testing and universal germline genetic testing?
???How are we minimizing patient anxiety while navigating genetic testing and its implications?
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???Are we advocating for earlier and more precise interventions based on genetic findings?
?? Key Takeaways from the Article Here are some highlights from the publication that resonated with me:
???Missed Opportunities:?Up to 55% of patients with actionable PGVs may be overlooked when following guideline-directed testing.
???Advocacy for Universal Testing:?Universal germline genetic testing (GGT) could identify thousands more patients annually with hereditary prostate and other cancers.
???Racial Disparities:?GGT uptake is alarmingly low among non-White patients, exacerbating healthcare inequities.
???Prognostic Power of Genetics:?Certain PGVs, like BRCA1/2, are linked to more aggressive disease and poorer outcomes, underscoring the need for tailored management strategies.
???Cascade Testing:?Comprehensive GGT aids in identifying at-risk family members for preventive care and early screening of other cancers.
???Actionable Insights:?Genetic findings can refine surveillance protocols and guide more personalized treatment approaches.
?? Final Thoughts: As healthcare providers, we have a responsibility to evolve, question, and grow—both individually and collectively. How can we set aside our egos to embrace advancements like universal genetic testing, reduce patient anxiety, and foster deeper engagement in their care?
This article reignited my passion for ensuring equity and excellence in prostate cancer management. Let’s continue striving to bridge gaps in care and challenge the status quo.
?? What are you doing in your practice to push boundaries and innovate for better patient outcomes?
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1 个月Thank you for sharing this valuable article and raising such critical questions about prostate cancer care. Understanding the role of genetic testing and addressing disparities is essential for advancing patient outcomes. Grateful for your dedication to improving men’s health!
Oncology Account Specialist
1 个月Important take always from the article. Thanks for posting! There are large discrepancies in patient treatment for prostate cancer, especially in the urology space.