Differences in the Tumor Microenvironment between African-American and European-American Breast Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Martin Damali N., Boersma Brenda J., Yi Ming, Reimers Mark, Howe Tiffany M., Yfantis Harry G., Tsai Yien Che, Williams Erica H., Lee Dong H., Stephens Robert M., Weissman Allan M., Ambs Stefan
Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Hypothesis
Intrinsic differences in the tumor biology may contribute to the cancer health disparity between African-American and European-American breast cancer patients.
Conclusion
The gene expression profiles of breast tumors indicate that differences in tumor biology may exist between African-American and European-American patients, particularly in pathways related to tumor angiogenesis and chemotaxis.
Supporting Evidence
- Numerous genes were differentially expressed between African-American and European-American patients.
- A two-gene signature in the tumor epithelium distinguished between the two groups.
- Angiogenesis and chemotaxis were identified as biological processes contributing to disease aggressiveness in African-American patients.
- Microvessel density and macrophage infiltration were higher in tumors of African-Americans than in those of European-Americans.
- Tailored treatment options based on gene expression profiles were explored for African-American patients.
Takeaway
This study found that breast cancer tumors in African-American patients are different from those in European-American patients, which might explain why African-American patients have worse outcomes.
Methodology
The study used laser capture microdissection to analyze genome-wide mRNA expression in tumor samples from African-American and European-American breast cancer patients.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding factors related to socioeconomic status and access to healthcare were not fully controlled.
Limitations
The study's sample size limited the ability to stratify tumors into many subtypes.
Participant Demographics
The study included 18 African-American and 17 European-American breast cancer patients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.038
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website