Can a Genetic Risk Score Help Decide Who Needs a Prostate MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an important part of prostate cancer diagnosis, but many MRI scans do not detect significant cancer. Researchers are looking for better ways to identify which men are most likely to benefit from MRI.

In this study, investigators combined a polygenic risk score—a measure based on many inherited genetic variations—with age and PSA levels to estimate each man’s likelihood of having suspicious findings on MRI.

The researchers found that the genetic risk score predicted abnormal MRI findings better than PSA alone. When combined with other clinical information, the genetic score improved the ability to identify men most likely to have clinically important prostate cancer.

If confirmed in larger studies, this approach could help physicians better target MRI testing, reduce unnecessary imaging while ensuring that men at highest risk receive prompt evaluation.

Although genetic risk scores are not yet part of routine prostate cancer care, this study adds to growing evidence that they may play an important role in future screening and early detection strategies.

Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2026.