UCL study finds Decipher test may help target abiraterone for prostate cancer
UCL researchers found that the Decipher genomic test predicted poorer outcomes in men with high-risk, non-metastatic prostate cancer and could identify some who may benefit from adding abiraterone. The analysis covered real-world data on 27,607 men, with outcomes assessed for 5,956, and 401 participants in the STAMPEDE trial; the researchers say further validation is needed before routine use.
Bottom line — The test’s results could help guide abiraterone decisions, but UCL says independent validation is still needed.
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For every 0.1 increase in Decipher score, the adjusted risk of distant metastasis rose by 49%, according to the UCL study.
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The risk of dying from prostate cancer rose with higher scores, with a hazard ratio of 1.38, the researchers reported.
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The score predicted benefit from abiraterone in patients whose cancer had not spread to their lymph nodes.
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UCL lead researcher Sarah Howlett said men with high-risk disease but low scores might be spared intensive treatment, while those with high scores could be prioritised for it.
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Abiraterone can cause side effects including fatigue, according to UCL.
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Veracyte, the US company that makes Decipher, said the findings strengthen the case for using the test in treatment decisions.