United States: Prostate cancer patients benefit from radiation therapy as one of their main treatment options yet some patients face enduring urinary complications because of this approach. Scientists have created the PROSTOX genetic test which predicts patient susceptibility to particular radiation therapy complications, as reported by HealthDay.
Meet PROSTOX: Tailoring Treatment with Genetics
A scientific team at UCLA created PROSTOX that examines thirty-two special genetic indicators to determine which men would experience urinary complications after radiation therapy. The new examination stands as the pioneering method for medical companies to offer customized treatment strategies depending on individual genetic data.
“We’ve always known some men develop life-altering side effects from radiation, but until now, we couldn’t predict who,” said Dr. Joanne Weidhaas, senior researcher.
How It Works
In a study of 148 men treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), PROSTOX successfully predicted which patients would face urinary complications post-treatment. Men identified as high-risk were 10 to 12 times more likely to develop side effects.
Different Side Effects, Different Causes
The research also revealed that not all urinary issues are the same. Some symptoms appear immediately after treatment and persist, while others emerge later. These variations seem to stem from different causes—ranging from radiation methods to immune response and inflammation, as reported by HealthDay.
Looking Ahead
“This kind of genetic testing will help us personalize prostate cancer care and reduce the risk of serious side effects,” said Dr. Michael Steinberg, co-researcher and radiation oncology chair at UCLA.
The team plans to expand testing across larger groups and explore genetic predictors for other cancer-related treatment effects.