A recent study by Yale researchers has uncovered a significant genomic factor that may contribute to racial disparities in cancer outcomes. The research, published in Nature, reveals that tumors in Black cancer patients are more likely to exhibit whole-genome duplications (WGDs) compared to those in white patients.
Led by Leanne Brown, a general surgery resident, and Jason Sheltzer, Ph.D., the study examined over 1,800 cancer samples from self-reported Black patients in the United States. The findings show that the increased rate of WGDs is consistent across various cancer types, including breast, endometrial, and lung cancers, and is associated with shorter survival rates for Black patients.
WGDs, which involve the complete duplication of an organism’s genome, can lead to more aggressive disease progression and poorer patient prognosis. The study also explored environmental factors, revealing that exposure to combustion byproducts found in pollution and tobacco smoke could induce WGDs in cultured cells.
Importantly, tumors from Black patients exhibited mutational signatures suggesting that environmental carcinogens may contribute to the higher frequency of WGDs observed in their cancers. This discovery highlights the potential role of environmental factors in racial disparities in cancer outcomes.
The research not only identifies a new genomic factor associated with cancer progression but also underscores the complex interplay between genetics, environmental exposures, and health disparities. By shedding light on these connections, the study opens avenues for further research into how these factors influence cancer biology and patient survival, particularly among historically underserved populations.
This work represents a critical step forward in understanding and addressing the persistent racial disparities in cancer outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and personalized treatment approaches to improve health equity in cancer care.
See: “Elevated whole-genome duplications in cancers from Black patients: A new insight into racial disparities in cancer outcomes” (December 11, 2024)Â
