In this two-part episode of the Precision Medicine Podcast, host Karan Cushman continues her deep dive into prostate cancer care with expert guest Dr. William Oh, a leading genitourinary oncologist, Director of Precision Medicine at Yale Cancer Center and Chair of the American Cancer Society National Prostate Cancer Roundtable. Building on part one (episode 63), they explore the transformative role of precision medicine, advanced diagnostics, and targeted therapies—emphasizing the urgent need for greater awareness, understanding, and advocacy as prostate cancer continues to rise steadily.

Karan opens the conversation by emphasizing the growing complexity of prostate cancer diagnostics and treatment. Dr. Oh discusses the wide array of diagnostic tools, from PSA tests and MRIs to the cutting-edge PSMA PET scan, which has revolutionized staging and treatment planning by providing detailed insights into cancer spread. He highlights how these tools are helping oncologists tailor treatment plans with unprecedented precision.

The discussion shifts to molecular diagnostics, a burgeoning field that provides critical information about the aggressiveness of cancer. Dr. Oh explains how molecular tests, such as genomic profiling, are enabling personalized treatment decisions for prostate cancer patients, particularly those on the fence about options like surgery, radiation, or active surveillance. Karan and Dr. Oh also address disparities in access to these advanced diagnostics, underlining the need for wider implementation.

Karan steers the conversation toward advancements in targeted therapies. Dr. Oh outlines breakthroughs in precision treatments, including PARP inhibitors for patients with BRCA mutations and the innovative LU-177-PSMA therapy, a “smart bomb” approach that targets cancer cells with remarkable specificity. He also explores the promise of immunotherapy, though he acknowledges its limited applicability for prostate cancer due to the disease’s low mutational burden.

The role of artificial intelligence in precision oncology is another key topic. Dr. Oh and Karan discuss how AI and machine learning are helping clinicians process complex data, from imaging to genomic profiles, to guide more informed treatment decisions. Dr. Oh envisions AI as an essential tool for streamlining oncology workflows while preserving the human connection between doctors and patients.

Karan highlights the importance of effective communication in prostate cancer care, referencing a recent editorial co-authored by Dr. Oh. Together, they explore the need for more patient-centered terminology, such as replacing the term “castration-resistant prostate cancer” with “androgen deprivation-resistant prostate cancer,” to foster better understanding and improve patient experience.

The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on clinical trials, the integration of new technologies like liquid biopsies, and the ongoing efforts to expand insurance coverage for biomarker testing. Dr. Oh emphasizes the critical role of collaboration, awareness, and education in advancing precision medicine and ensuring that patients benefit from the latest innovations.

With Karan’s thoughtful questions and Dr. Oh’s expertise, this episode offers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of how precision medicine is reshaping the future of prostate cancer care. We hope you’ll tune in to the series and share this important episode with others!