Scientists have identified genetic mutations that may explain why Black men are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men of other ethnicities. The groundbreaking research, conducted by scientists at the University of Essex, could lead to a genetic test to identify those at greatest risk of developing the disease, potentially improving survival rates.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among British men, with approximately 52,300 new cases and 12,000 deaths annually in the UK. Black men are twice as likely to be diagnosed and 2.5 times more likely to die from the disease compared to white men. The study focused on the androgen receptor, a protein linked to prostate cancer growth, which is found at higher levels in Black men.
Dr. Greg Brooke, co-leader of the research, explained that previous genetic databases were largely based on DNA from white men, limiting understanding of the disparity. To address this, Dr. Antonio Marco developed a new approach to analyze DNA from over 75,000 people from diverse populations worldwide.
The research identified mutations in three regions of DNA that control androgen receptor levels, which are frequently found in men of African ancestry but virtually absent in men of European ancestry. Hundreds of other mutations that may affect prostate cancer risk were also discovered.
Dr. Naomi Elster from Prostate Cancer Research, which funded the study, emphasized the importance of this research in addressing the long-standing disparity between Black and white men in prostate cancer outcomes. The findings could potentially lead to more targeted testing and treatment strategies for Black individuals, helping to close the gap in survival rates.
See “Genetics may help explain Black men’s high prostate cancer risk, say scientists” (February 15, 2024)
