Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers

During this opening segment of a one-on-one interview series, Peter Salgo, MD, discusses emerging diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in prostate cancer with Ira M. Klein, MD, MBA, FACP, national medical director, clinical thought leadership, office of the chief medical officer at Aetna.

When patients with high PSA results undergo a biopsy, providers take into account several factors when deciding on treatment, including the patient’s Gleason score and tumor morphology, as well as the patient’s age and life expectancy, explains Dr Klein. He stresses the importance of emerging biomarkers, and notes that they may help providers determine how best to treat their patients. Unfortunately, there are currently no biomarkers with proven value in metastatic disease, comments Dr Klein.

Dr Klein is optimistic that ongoing trials will help establish the role of additional biomarkers that can help providers track disease progression and personalize treatment.

Watch our related Peer Exchange, Oncology Stakeholder Summit 2014: Evidence-Based Decisions to Improve Quality and Regulate Costs