Using genetic risk to personalize prostate cancer screening and improve equity
The Prostate Cancer, Genetic Risk, and Equitable Screening Study (ProGRESS): A pragmatic trial of precision prostate cancer screening
Genetic testing and risk scores will be used to personalize PSA screening for adult men, including Veterans, to better find dangerous prostate cancers while reducing unnecessary tests and treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11212788 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I join, I would be offered germline genetic testing and a polygenic risk score to learn my personal risk for prostate cancer. Screening schedules (PSA testing) and follow-up decisions would be tailored to my genetic risk, with biopsies or further evaluation offered when needed. The study follows men over time to compare how well this precision approach finds clinically significant cancers versus typical screening while tracking harms like overdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures. The trial emphasizes enrolling Veterans and men from diverse backgrounds at VA and partner sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adult men without a prior prostate cancer diagnosis who are eligible for PSA screening, including Veterans and men from diverse racial and ethnic groups, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Men already diagnosed with prostate cancer or those who decline genetic testing or follow-up care would likely not benefit from this screening approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This approach could help find dangerous prostate cancers earlier while reducing unnecessary biopsies and treatments for low-risk men.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows germline variants and polygenic risk scores can predict prostate cancer risk, but using them in pragmatic, randomized screening programs is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- VA Boston Health Care System — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vassy, Jason L — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Vassy, Jason L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.