A recent study from the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center reveals that cancer immunotherapy is equally effective for Black and white patients, but Black patients experience fewer severe side effects. This research, published in The Lancet Oncology, analyzed data from 26,398 patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors through the Veteran Health Administration between 2020 and 2023. The cohort included 81% white and 19% Black patients, treated for nearly 20 different cancer types.
The study found identical two-year overall survival rates of 36.5% for both Black and white patients. Notably, Black patients remained on the treatment longer and had a lower incidence of severe side effects, such as colitis and thyroid disorders. Senior study author Alex K. Bryant, M.D., M.A.S., assistant professor of radiation oncology at Michigan Medicine, highlighted the importance of these findings, noting that while the efficacy of immunotherapy was consistent across races, the reduced side effects in Black patients raise critical questions about underlying factors.
The researchers call for prospective validation studies that include diverse racial and gender groups to better understand these differences. This study underscores the need for more inclusive clinical trials to ensure that all populations benefit equally from advancements in cancer treatment. The findings also emphasize the importance of personalized medicine in addressing the unique responses of different demographic groups to cancer therapies.
See “How race impacts patients’ response to cancer immunotherapy: Treatment proves effective for Black patients” (November 25, 2024)
