Hereditary prostate cancer – Primetime for genetic testing?

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains the most common cancer in men. The proportion of all PCa attributable to high-risk hereditary factors has been estimated to 5–15%. Recent landmark discoveries in PCa genetics led to the identification of germline mutations/alterations (eg. BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM or HOXB13), single nucleotide polymorphisms or copy number variations associated with PCa incidence and progression. However, offering germline testing to men with an assumed hereditary component is currently controversial. In the present review article, we provide an overview about the epidemiology and the genetic basis of PCa predisposition and critically discuss the significance and consequence in the clinical routine. In addition, we give an overview about genetic tests and report latest findings from ongoing clinical studies. Lastly, we discuss the impact of genetic testing in personalized therapy in advanced stages of the disease.