New Study Published in JCO Precision Oncology Shows Myriad Genetics' Prolaris Test Can Predict Benefit of Hormone Therapy Treatment in Men with Localized Prostate Cancer

Rhea-AI Summary

Myriad Genetics (NASDAQ: MYGN) announced that JCO Precision Oncology published a study on their Prolaris test, which can predict the benefit of adding androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to radiation therapy (RT) in men with localized prostate cancer.

The study, presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Conference, used the clinical cell-cycle risk (CCR) score from Prolaris to determine that patients with a CCR score below the multimodal threshold see only a 0.86% average reduction in 10-year metastasis risk with ADT+RT. In contrast, those above the threshold see an 8.19% reduction.

85% of patients tested had a CCR score below this threshold suggesting minimal added benefit from ADT, prompting potential reconsideration of its use due to the side effects like bone loss and cardiovascular risk.

Positive

• The Prolaris test can accurately predict the benefit of adding ADT to RT in men with localized prostate cancer.
• Patients with CCR scores above the multimodal threshold can reduce their 10-year metastasis risk by 8.19% by adding ADT to RT.
• 85% of patients tested had a CCR score below the threshold, potentially avoiding unnecessary side effects from ADT.
• The study used level-one evidence from many prospective randomized studies, adding robustness to its findings.

Negative

• ADT is associated with significant side effects, including bone and muscle loss, weight gain, and increased cardiovascular risk.
• Patients with a Prolaris CCR score below the multimodal threshold see only a 0.86% average reduction in 10-year metastasis risk with ADT+RT.

Insights

Oncology Doctor

The recent publication in JCO Precision Oncology showcasing the clinical utility of Myriad Genetics' Prolaris Test has significant implications for personalized prostate cancer treatment. The Prolaris Test offers a Clinical Cell Cycle Risk (CCR) score that helps predict the benefit of adding androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to radiation therapy (RT). This breakthrough could revolutionize treatment decisions by clearly identifying which patients are more likely to benefit from adding ADT, reducing unnecessary exposure to its side effects. With more than 85% of patients showing minimal benefit from ADT, this test allows for a more tailored approach, potentially improving quality of life for many men.

Financial Analyst

From a financial perspective, the publication of this study in a reputable journal like JCO Precision Oncology is a strong positive signal for Myriad Genetics. The validation of the Prolaris Test's ability to stratify patients based on the benefit of adding ADT could lead to increased adoption by medical professionals, boosting sales and market penetration. Additionally, this differentiation may provide Myriad Genetics a competitive advantage in the precision medicine market, potentially driving stock value up in both the short and long term. However, investors should also be mindful of the costs associated with broader implementation and the potential need for further clinical validations.

Myriad’s Prolaris Test is the only biomarker test to quantify the benefits of adding androgen deprivation therapy to radiation therapy¹

SALT LAKE CITY, May 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYGN), a leader in genetic testing and precision medicine, announced that JCO Precision Oncology has published a study showing a clinical cell-cycle risk (CCR) score can accurately predict the benefit of adding androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to radiation therapy (RT) in men with localized prostate cancer.

Guidelines currently recommend adding ADT to RT in certain patients with localized prostate cancer. While ADT can be effective at slowing the progression of prostate cancer, it can also be associated with significant side effects, such as bone and muscle loss, weight gain, and increased cardiovascular risk.

The study – first presented as a poster at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Conference by Dr. Jonathan Tward – examined two cohorts of male patients tested with the Prolaris^® Prostate Cancer Prognostic Test either clinically or through retrospective studies.

The study demonstrated that patients with a Prolaris CCR score below the multimodal threshold have only a 0.86% average reduction in 10-year risk of metastasis if they elect to pursue multimodal therapy by adding ADT to RT. However, patients with a Prolaris CCR score above the multimodal threshold can reduce risk of metastasis by 8.19% on average by adding ADT to RT.

“This study was a robust analysis that used level-one evidence from many prospective randomized studies to determine the risk reduction,” said Dr. Tward, MD, PhD, at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. “Prolaris precisely describes the difference in metastasis outcomes for men receiving monotherapy (RT) versus multimodal therapy (RT+ADT) and further tells me precisely what the risk of death is for a man on surveillance. This is something that none of the other classifiers can currently perform.”

“In light of the appreciable side effects of ADT, it is enormously valuable for patients with prostate cancer to have a test that can quantify the extent to which they may benefit from ADT,” said Dale Muzzey, chief scientific officer, Myriad Genetics. “Notably, more than 85% of patients we have tested with Prolaris have a CCR score below the multimodal threshold and accordingly have an average of <1% risk reduction by adding ADT to RT. In consultation with their providers, many of these men may elect to forgo ADT based on the information in their Prolaris reports.”

About the Prolaris® Prostate Cancer Prognostic Test
Prolaris is a molecular diagnostic test that provides personalized information about the aggressiveness of a patient’s prostate cancer, helping to identify whether it is safe to forgo treatment, whether to pursue treatment, and how much treatment is needed for the best possible outcome. Prolaris is the only biomarker test to quantify the benefits of adding androgen ADT to RT.

About Myriad Genetics
Myriad Genetics is a leading genetic testing and precision medicine company dedicated to advancing health and well-being for all. Myriad Genetics develops and offers genetic tests that help assess the risk of developing disease or disease progression and guide treatment decisions across medical specialties where genetic insights can significantly improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. For more information, visit www.myriad.com.

Safe Harbor Statement   
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including that Prolaris can help identify whether it is safe to forgo treatment (including ADT), whether to pursue treatment, and how much treatment is needed for the best possible outcome.  These “forward-looking statements” are management’s expectations of future events as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, conditions, and events to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. Such factors include those risks described in the company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2024, as well as any updates to those risk factors filed from time to time in the company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. Myriad is not under any obligation, and it expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by law. 

^{1. Tward JD, et al. The clinical cell-cycle risk (CCR) score is associated with metastasis after radiation therapy and provides guidance on when to forgo combined androgen deprivation therapy with dose escalated radiation. International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics. 2021. DOI:https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.09.034}

Investor Contact 
Matt Scalo 
(801) 584-3532 
IR@myriad.com 

Media Contact 
Glenn Farrell 
(385) 318-3718 
PR@myriad.com

FAQ

What did the study published in JCO Precision Oncology reveal about Myriad Genetics' Prolaris test?

The study showed that the Prolaris test can accurately predict the benefit of adding androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to radiation therapy (RT) in men with localized prostate cancer.

What is the clinical relevance of Myriad Genetics' Prolaris CCR score?

The Prolaris CCR score helps determine the risk reduction in metastasis when adding ADT to RT, especially highlighting minimal benefit for patients below the multimodal threshold.

How does Myriad Genetics' Prolaris test impact treatment decisions in prostate cancer?

The Prolaris test helps patients and providers decide whether to add ADT to RT based on the potential benefit versus the significant side effects, especially for those with lower CCR scores.

What are the average risk reductions in metastasis based on the Prolaris CCR score?

Patients above the multimodal threshold see an 8.19% average reduction in 10-year metastasis risk with ADT+RT, while those below see only a 0.86% reduction.

What percentage of patients tested with Prolaris had a CCR score below the multimodal threshold?

More than 85% of patients tested had a Prolaris CCR score below the multimodal threshold, indicating a minimal benefit from adding ADT to RT.