New test could flag which men need aggressive prostate cancer treatment and which don't

What happened: Researchers at University College London analyzed the Decipher tissue-based molecular test to see which men with high-risk prostate cancer benefit from stronger treatment and which might avoid it. Why it matters: Higher Decipher scores predicted worse outcomes and low scores suggested intensive treatment may be unnecessary. Dr. Sarah Howlett said further validation is needed before routine use, while Veracyte's Elai Davicioni said the evidence gives physicians a stronger reason to use Decipher.

Researchers at University College London analyzed the Decipher tissue-based molecular test to see which men with high-risk prostate cancer benefit from stronger treatment and which might avoid it.

Higher Decipher scores predicted worse outcomes and low scores suggested intensive treatment may be unnecessary. Dr. Sarah Howlett said further validation is needed before routine use, while Veracyte's Elai Davicioni said the evidence gives physicians a stronger reason to use Decipher.