New genetic tool predicts prostate cancer survival odds
VA Research News Briefs

Photo ©iStock/TanyaJoy
(07/30/2026)
VA researchers created a DNA-based classification system to predict the risk of death from prostate cancer. Using genetic analyses from more than 7,000 Veterans with metastatic prostate cancer, the research team identified sixteen genes associated with survival odds and classified Veterans into favorable, intermediate, and unfavorable prognostic groups based on their individual genetic profiles. Predictive accuracy was high and validated through a large genetic dataset of non-Veterans. The new tool has the potential to inform shared decision-making about treatment options and help Veterans and others with prostate cancer understand their prognosis. (JCO Precision Oncology, Jul. 15, 2026)