Prostatype genetic test. Genetics that is changing urology: Prof. Pierluigi Bove explains the clinical value of Prostatype®
In recent years, genetics has begun to play a central role in personalized medicine. In particular, urology has proven to be one of the most fertile areas for integrating advanced genetic tools into prognostic and therapeutic decision-making. A concrete, timely example is the use of the Prostatype® genetic test, discussed in a recent interview published by an international outlet with Professor Pierluigi Bove, MD, urology specialist, Associate Professor of Urology at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, and Head of U.R.M.I. – Robotic and Minimally Invasive Urology at the Policlinico University Hospital of the same university.
A new paradigm for prostate cancer prognosis
“Genetics is giving us a series of innovative approaches that can improve diagnosis and prognosis, and also help us understand which treatment may be best for the patient.”
The introduction of the Prostatype® test is an important step in this direction.
The Prostatype® Test was introduced—also thanks to Prof. Bove’s clinical and research contribution—within the UOC of Medical Genetics at Policlinico Tor Vergata, where Prof. Bove teaches. It is a next-generation test, developed in Sweden at the prestigious Karolinska Institute, which makes it possible to identify specific tumor genes in patients already diagnosed with prostate cancer, in order to predict its evolution with a high degree of accuracy.
How the Prostatype® test works
“Prostatype is certainly among the most advanced tests worldwide. Making it available to patients is very important.”
“When it comes to prostate cancer, genetics allows us to identify different tumor variants, understand what type of disease we are dealing with, and its level of aggressiveness.”
The test is performed on biopsy samples that have already been collected for histological examination. The genetic analysis focuses on the expression of three genes—IGFBP3, F3, and VGLL3—which are combined, through a sophisticated algorithm, with other clinical data from the patient. The result is a numerical indicator that expresses the risk of prostate-cancer mortality in the ten years following diagnosis.
“This is therefore a very important prognostic test, because it allows us to identify tumors that may require immediate treatment, distinguishing them from those that, instead, may only require active surveillance.”
“Prostatype expresses the risk of death within 10 years from diagnosis through a numerical value. This risk is classified as low up to 2.3%, intermediate between 2.3% and 25%, and high between 25% and 80%.”
Moving beyond simple “active surveillance”
According to guidelines, patients with a low-aggressiveness cancer should be managed with active surveillance. This means that intervention can be postponed. The patient is still followed with PSA testing every 3 months, or a new biopsy is performed one year after diagnosis.
“During this time, however, the tumor can evolve and become aggressive. Prostatype is what allows us to know this from the very first assessment after diagnosis.”
Toward a more personalized, more human medicine
The practical advantage of the test lies in the ability to adapt the therapeutic strategy to the tumor’s real aggressiveness, helping patients and clinicians make a more informed decision about treatment options.
“The advantages of Prostatype? The traditional method requires constant PSA monitoring which, if it rises, would force the patient to go through the entire diagnostic pathway again, and therefore a long series of tests. With Prostatype’s indications, instead, it may be possible to intervene earlier, limiting oncologic and functional harm.”
Who the test is for, and what it can offer
On the test’s clinical use, Professor Bove specified: “The ideal patient for Prostatype is someone who has received a diagnosis of prostate cancer with low or intermediate risk. With the traditional method, these patients would be placed on an active surveillance protocol, which obliges them to undergo many tests over time, with all the psychological consequences that can follow. Prostatype provides an initial answer that can help bring the patient more peace of mind, whatever the test outcome, before offering a therapeutic chance.”
A leading clinical project
The test, developed after over 15 years of research at the Karolinska Institute, is now available in only a few centers in Europe. “Apart from us, for now it is used only in Spain.”
Clinical adoption in Italy began with a major procurement at Policlinico Universitario Tor Vergata, with a value of about 1.8 million Swedish kronor.
“We are still at the beginning, but I am confident that this approach will soon spread across Italy, perhaps with some additional awareness initiatives.”
A safer future for oncology patients
Prostatype® is a clear signal of the change underway: genetic tools, predictive algorithms, and precision medicine are reshaping how prostate cancer is approached, placing the patient truly at the center of the therapeutic pathway.
🔗 Link to the LinkedIn article: The clinical use of Prostatype – prognostic gene test is increasing in Italy
🔗 Read the full interview with Professor Bove: https://lnkd.in/dV-3etub
🔗 Link to the Italian Prostatype® website: https://lnkd.in/dVWy5KHv
🔗 Link to the URMI page (Robotic and Minimally Invasive Urology) at Policlinico Tor Vergata: https://www.pierluigibove.com/urologia-robotica-mini-invasiva/
