Recent research reveals significant racial disparities in uterine serous carcinoma (USC Tumors), with Black patients exhibiting more aggressive and immunosuppressive tumor features compared to their White counterparts. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), this study by Northwestern Medicine highlights the role of the gene PAX8 in influencing tumor behavior and immune response, suggesting potential new targets for therapeutic intervention to address these disparities.
- Study Finds USC Tumors in Black Patients More Aggressive than in White Patients
- Racial Disparities Uncovered in Uterine Serous Carcinoma Tumors
- PAX8 Gene Linked to Increased Aggressiveness of Endometrial Cancer in Black Patients
- New Research Highlights Racial Differences in Rare Endometrial Cancer
A groundbreaking study conducted by Northwestern Medicine investigators has uncovered critical differences in the aggressiveness of uterine serous carcinoma (USC) tumors based on race. Published on August 12, 2024 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the research highlights that USC tumors in Black patients exhibit more aggressive and immunosuppressive features compared to those in White patients.
USC is a rare and highly aggressive form of endometrial cancer, representing up to 10% of all primary endometrial cancer cases, with a five-year survival rate of approximately 30% for advanced stages. Despite similar incidence rates between Black and Non-Hispanic White women, mortality rates are notably higher among Black women, suggesting a disparity in outcomes.
The study, led by Dr. Julie Kim and PhD student Grace Foley, employed single-nuclei RNA sequencing to compare molecular and genomic characteristics of USC tumors from nine Black and four White patients. The researchers discovered that tumors from Black patients exhibited heightened expression of genes associated with aggressiveness, particularly the PAX8 gene. Elevated PAX8 expression was linked to poorer overall survival rates and a more immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which impairs the body’s ability to mount an effective anti-tumor immune response.
Dr. Kim emphasized the potential impact of environmental and societal factors on these disparities. “Our environment, our behaviors, and societal stressors all play a role in health outcomes,” she stated. The study underscores the need for targeted therapeutic strategies to address these racial differences and improve patient outcomes.
The findings suggest that PAX8 could be a valuable target for future treatments, potentially improving survival rates for Black patients with USC. The next steps include validating these results in larger cohorts and exploring existing drugs that may enhance the immune response against PAX8-overexpressing tumors.
This research highlights a significant step towards understanding and addressing racial disparities in endometrial cancer, with the potential to inform new strategies for prevention and treatment in affected populations.
Read more : Uterine Cancer
References:
- Cancerous uterine tumors more aggressive in Black patients than white patients – North Westerns
- Racial and ethnic differences in tumor characteristics among endometrial cancer patients in an equal-access healthcare population – NIH
- Some Uterine Tumors More Aggressive in Black Patients? – ASCO Post
- Single-nuclei sequencing of uterine serous carcinoma reveals racial differences in immune signaling – PNAS
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