A comprehensive study conducted at a major cancer center reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer survival rates. The research, published in JAMA Oncology, analyzed data from over 47,000 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer over a 50-year period.
The study found that Black patients had worse overall survival compared to White patients, with a 16% higher risk of death. Conversely, Asian and Hispanic patients showed better survival rates. Alarmingly, the disparity between Black and White patients has been increasing over the past two decades, with the gap widening from 2008 to 2023.
Researchers identified several factors contributing to these disparities. Neighborhood socioeconomic status emerged as the single largest contributor, accounting for 29% of the survival gap. Molecular characteristics of tumors, including microsatellite instability status and variations in genes like KRAS and BRAF, contributed 10% to the disparity. Primary tumor location also played a role, accounting for 9% of the difference.
The study also uncovered differences in the frequency of certain gene mutations among racial groups. Black patients showed higher rates of mutations in APC, KRAS, and PIK3CA genes, while White patients had higher rates of BRAF and KIT mutations.
These findings underscore the complex interplay of socioeconomic, molecular, and clinical factors in colorectal cancer outcomes. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities, including improved access to healthcare, personalized treatment approaches, and further research into the genetic and molecular basis of colorectal cancer across different racial and ethnic groups.
