Prolaris is a molecular diagnostic tool developed by Myriad Genetics, Inc. This 46 gene panel is capable of predicting aggressiveness of prostate cancer and can be used in conjunction with Gleason score and PSA. By measuring the expression level of genes involved with cell cycle progression, this test is able to differentiate indolent from aggressive prostate cancers and therefore predict disease outcome.
In a retrospective analysis of 366 patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy and 337 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer, this gene panel was able to give a favorable and unfavorable score to patient subsets and thus predict clinical outcomes. This prognostic information will allow clinicians to recommend appropriate therapy at the time of diagnosis of prostate cancer.
So we have gene signature assays for breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer (oncoprescribe blog) and now for prostate cancer as well. In the end, patients benefit.
