Prostate Cancer Genetics Clinic

Developed in 2016, the Prostate Cancer Genetics Clinic within the Center for Cancer Risk Assessment (CCRA) was one of the first programs of its kind in the country. Under the direction of Matthew Smith, MD, PhD, and Keyan Salari, MD, PhD, our staff includes specialists in both uro-oncology and genetics.

Patients interested in an evaluation for hereditary prostate cancer meet to discuss personal and family history, as well as to explore genetic testing options. Each patient's history is reviewed with the Prostate Cancer Genetics team and, when appropriate, medical management recommendations are made. Individuals identified as high-risk, based on genetic testing and/or family history, may choose to be followed by one of our high-risk specialists or other members of the high-risk team at the Mass General Cancer Center.

Should You Consider Genetic Counseling?

A visit to our clinic may be right for you if you have a personal or family history of one or more of the following:

• Metastatic prostate cancer
• Prostate cancer diagnosed with Gleason score of 7 or greater
• Prostate cancer in three or more people on one side (maternal or paternal) of the family
• Prostate cancer in an individual of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
• Personal history of prostate cancer with family history of breast, prostate, colon, ovarian, pancreatic, or uterine cancer.

Hereditary Prostate Cancer Diseases

The syndromes most commonly discussed with patients in our clinic include:

• Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA1/2 information)
• HOXB13 gene mutation
• Lynch syndrome