A recent study from Henry Ford Health reveals significant molecular differences in pancreatic cancer between Black and white patients, shedding light on health disparities in cancer treatment. Published in Cancer Research Communications, the study found that Black patients exhibit higher levels of PD-L1 overexpression, a marker linked to aggressive cancer behavior and a key target for immunotherapy treatments. Additionally, Black patients showed higher frequencies of TP53 and KRASG12R mutations, which influence cancer growth and the body’s ability to fight the disease.
Lead researcher Dr. Ling Huang emphasized the importance of including racially diverse participants in clinical trials to better represent tumor molecular changes. “This finding strongly supports that in clinical trials across the country, we need to enroll patients from different racial groups to reflect the racial makeup in the U.S.,” Huang stated. The study also highlighted the underrepresentation of Black patients and other minorities in recent clinical trials testing immunotherapies for pancreatic cancer.
These molecular differences have profound implications for treatment outcomes, as Black patients may respond differently to immunotherapies compared to white patients. Ensuring equal access to cancer care, especially precision medicine, is crucial for addressing these disparities. The study underscores the need for equitable healthcare practices and the inclusion of diverse populations in research to develop effective, tailored treatments for all patients.
See: “Molecular differences in pancreatic cancer of Black and white patients identified” (March 12, 2025)
