Pancreatic and Prostate Cancer—How Genetic Testing Is Personalizing Treatment

Hereditary cancer genetic testing is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s an essential step in improving  patient outcomes.

For patients with pancreatic or prostate cancer, which are among the most common hereditary cancer syndromes, genetic insights can unlock more precise treatment options, identify clinical trial eligibility, assess risk for other cancers, and even help family members understand their own cancer risks.^1,2

Pancreatic cancer: A clear case for genetic testing

Pancreatic cancer is notoriously aggressive and often diagnosed in its later stages.³ But there’s growing evidence that hereditary cancer genetic testing can significantly improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.^4,5

What the data shows

Inherited genetic variants can play a key role in personalizing treatments for patients with pancreatic cancer. One in 6 patients with pancreatic cancer has an inherited gene variant, most often in genes eligible for targeted therapy.^4,5 Studies show that carrying one of these gene variants is associated with better overall survival, especially when treated with tailored chemotherapy regimens.^4-6  

That’s not just a statistic—it’s a call to action. These findings suggest that many patients could benefit from targeted therapies and other tailored clinical management strategies depending on their cancer risk variants.^4-6 

Why it matters for oncologists

• Treatment guidance: Genetic results can inform the use of targeted therapies.
• Clinical trial access: Patients with specific mutations may qualify for trials they’d otherwise miss.
• Family impact: Identifying a hereditary mutation can prompt cascade testing for relatives, enabling early detection or prevention.

Why it matters for patients

Even without a family history of cancer, you could carry a genetic variant that may affect your treatment and management. Genetic testing offers a clearer picture of your options—and your future.

Prostate cancer: Rethinking risk and response

Prostate cancer is often seen as slow-growing and manageable. But for some men, especially those with certain inherited gene variants, the disease can be far more aggressive.^7-9

What the data shows

One in 7 men with prostate cancer have an inherited gene variant associated with increased cancer risk,¹⁰ such as BRCA2, which is linked to more aggressive disease and poorer outcomes.^7-9 In metastatic cases, men with  BRCA2 variants have half the survival rate of those without these variants, unless they are treated with specific therapeutic regimens.⁸

Even more concerning: in one study, up to 70% of men with actionable genetic variants wouldn’t have qualified for testing based on clinical guidelines such as presence of family history.¹¹

This gap highlights the urgent need to expand genetic testing access so more patients can receive potentially life-saving therapies and more personalized cancer care.  

“Germline genetic testing for prostate cancer is vastly underutilized despite its implications for disease prognosis, therapeutic selection as well as for patient and family member cancer detection strategies. I urge my fellow clinicians to educate themselves and utilize today’s germline and somatic genetic testing technology to implement broader testing – the time is now for germline utilization as the standard of care for all prostate cancer patients,” says urologist, Dr. Neal Shore, of Atlantic Urology Specialists  

Why it matters for urologists and oncologists

• Risk stratification: Hereditary cancer genetic testing helps identify patients who may need more aggressive monitoring or treatment.
• Therapy selection: Certain gene variants may respond better to specific treatments, including PARP inhibitors.
• Family screening: Results can guide testing and preventive care for male and female relatives.

Why it matters for patients

Hereditary cancer genetic testing can help you understand your cancer better—and give your family a chance to protect their health, too.

The bottom line

For both pancreatic and prostate cancer, hereditary cancer genetic testing is more than a diagnostic tool—it’s a roadmap for personalized care. It helps oncologists make smarter decisions and gives patients access to treatments that could change their outcomes.

If you’re an oncologist or urologist, it’s time to make hereditary cancer genetic testing a routine part of your care strategy.

If you’re a patient with pancreatic or prostate cancer, ask your doctor if testing is right for you—even if you don’t have a family history. To learn more about hereditary cancer genetic testing, read our prostate cancer or pancreatic cancer brochures.