Pharmacogenomics testing could help reduce racial disparities in treatment outcomes for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a new study suggests. The research, led by Dr. Jacqueline Valdez from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, found that Black and Hispanic children with AML are more likely to have genetic variations that affect how they metabolize and respond to chemotherapy drugs.
The study analyzed data from 234 pediatric AML patients, including 58 Black and 62 Hispanic children. Results showed that Black and Hispanic patients had a higher prevalence of certain gene variants associated with poor drug metabolism and increased toxicity risk. These findings suggest that pharmacogenomics testing could help identify patients who may benefit from personalized dosing or alternative treatments.
Dr. Valdez emphasized the importance of increasing diversity in clinical trials and genomic research to better understand and address racial disparities in cancer outcomes. The study also highlighted the need for more targeted interventions and support for underrepresented minority patients and their families.
The research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Dr. Valdez and her colleagues hope that their findings will lead to more equitable and effective treatments for all children with AML, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
See “The Role of Pharmacogenomics in Reducing Racial Disparities in Pediatric AML Treatment Outcomes” (May 20, 2024)
