Prostate Cancer Genetics Clinic

The Prostate Cancer Genetics Clinic is the most recently developed program within the Center for Cancer Risk Assessment (CCRA). Under the direction of Matthew Smith, MD, PhD, our staff includes specialists in both uro-oncology and genetics.

Patients interested in an evaluation for hereditary prostate cancer meet first with a genetic counselor. During the initial genetics consultation, family history is carefully reviewed. If your personal or family history suggests a possible genetic risk, we will discuss the option of genetic testing.

Each patient's history is reviewed with Dr. Smith and the Prostate Cancer Genetics team. When appropriate, we will make medical management recommendations. If you are identified as high-risk based on genetic testing and/or family history, you can 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