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Rebbeck T, Janivara R, Chen W, Hazra U, Baichoo S, Agalliu I, Kachambwa P, Simonti C, Brown L, Tambe S, Kim M, Harlemon M, Jalloh M, Muzondiwa D, Naidoo D, Ajayi O, Snyper N, Niang L, Diop H, Ndoye M, Mensah J, Darkwa-Abrahams A, Biritwum R, Adjei A, Adebiyi A, Shittu O, Ogunbiyi O, Adebayo S, Nwegbu M, Ajibola H, Oluwole O, Jamda M, Pentz A, Haiman C, Spies P, Van der Merwe A, Cook M, Chanock SJ, Berndt SI, Watya S, Lubwama A, Muchengeti M, Doherty S, Smyth N, Lounsbury D, Fortier B, Rohan T, Jacobson J, Neugut A, Hsing A, Gusev A, Aisuodionoe-Shadrach O, Joffe M, Adusei B, Gueye S, Fernandez P, McBride J, Andrews C, Petersen L, Lachance J. Heterogeneous genetic architectures and evolutionary genomics of prostate cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3378303. [PMID: 37886553 PMCID: PMC10602179 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3378303/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Men of African descent have the highest prostate cancer (CaP) incidence and mortality rates, yet the genetic basis of CaP in African men has been understudied. We used genomic data from 3,963 CaP cases and 3,509 controls recruited in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda, to infer ancestry-specific genetic architectures and fine-mapped disease associations. Fifteen independent associations at 8q24.21, 6q22.1, and 11q13.3 reached genome-wide significance, including four novel associations. Intriguingly, multiple lead SNPs are private alleles, a pattern arising from recent mutations and the out-of-Africa bottleneck. These African-specific alleles contribute to haplotypes with odds ratios above 2.4. We found that the genetic architecture of CaP differs across Africa, with effect size differences contributing more to this heterogeneity than allele frequency differences. Population genetic analyses reveal that African CaP associations are largely governed by neutral evolution. Collectively, our findings emphasize the utility of conducting genetic studies that use diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maxwell Nwegbu
- University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and Cancer Science Center
| | - Hafees Ajibola
- University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and Cancer Science Center
| | - Olabode Oluwole
- University of Abuja and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital
| | - Mustapha Jamda
- University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and Cancer Science Center
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sonja I Berndt
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda
| | | | | | - Mazvita Muchengeti
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ann Hsing
- Stanford University School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jo McBride
- Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research
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2
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Samtal C, El Jaddaoui I, Hamdi S, Bouguenouch L, Ouldim K, Nejjari C, Ghazal H, Bekkari H. Review of prostate cancer genomic studies in Africa. Front Genet 2022; 13:911101. [DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.911101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed in men worldwide and one of the most frequent cancers in men in Africa. The heterogeneity of this cancer fosters the need to identify potential genetic risk factors/biomarkers. Omics variations may significantly contribute to early diagnosis and personalized treatment. However, there are few genomic studies of this disease in African populations. This review sheds light on the status of genomics research on PCa in Africa and outlines the common variants identified thus far. The allele frequencies of the most significant SNPs in Afro-native, Afro-descendants, and European populations were compared. We advocate how these few but promising data will aid in understanding, better diagnosing, and precisely treating this cancer and the need for further collaborative research on the genomics of PCa in the African continent.
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3
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Arenas-Gallo C, Owiredu J, Weinstein I, Lewicki P, Basourakos SP, Vince R, Al Hussein Al Awamlh B, Schumacher FR, Spratt DE, Barbieri CE, Shoag JE. Race and prostate cancer: genomic landscape. Nat Rev Urol 2022; 19:547-561. [PMID: 35945369 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00622-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In the past 20 years, new insights into the genomic pathogenesis of prostate cancer have been provided. Large-scale integrative genomics approaches enabled researchers to characterize the genetic and epigenetic landscape of prostate cancer and to define different molecular subclasses based on the combination of genetic alterations, gene expression patterns and methylation profiles. Several molecular drivers of prostate cancer have been identified, some of which are different in men of different races. However, the extent to which genomics can explain racial disparities in prostate cancer outcomes is unclear. Future collaborative genomic studies overcoming the underrepresentation of non-white patients and other minority populations are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Arenas-Gallo
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jude Owiredu
- Department of Urology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ilon Weinstein
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Patrick Lewicki
- Department of Urology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Spyridon P Basourakos
- Department of Urology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Randy Vince
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bashir Al Hussein Al Awamlh
- Department of Urology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Fredrick R Schumacher
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Daniel E Spratt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Christopher E Barbieri
- Department of Urology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan E Shoag
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Department of Urology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA. .,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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4
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Role of Precision Oncology in Type II Endometrial and Prostate Cancers in the African Population: Global Cancer Genomics Disparities. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020628. [PMID: 35054814 PMCID: PMC8776204 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision oncology can be defined as molecular profiling of tumors to identify targetable alterations. Emerging research reports the high mortality rates associated with type II endometrial cancer in black women and with prostate cancer in men of African ancestry. The lack of adequate genetic reference information from the African genome is one of the major obstacles in exploring the benefits of precision oncology in the African context. Whilst external factors such as the geography, environment, health-care access and socio-economic status may contribute greatly towards the disparities observed in type II endometrial and prostate cancers in black populations compared to Caucasians, the contribution of African ancestry to the contribution of genetics to the etiology of these cancers cannot be ignored. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) continue to emerge as important regulators of gene expression and the key molecular pathways involved in tumorigenesis. Particular attention is focused on activated/repressed genes and associated pathways, while the redundant pathways (pathways that have the same outcome or activate the same downstream effectors) are often ignored. However, comprehensive evidence to understand the relationship between type II endometrial cancer, prostate cancer and African ancestry remains poorly understood. The sub-Saharan African (SSA) region has both the highest incidence and mortality of both type II endometrial and prostate cancers. Understanding how the entire transcriptomic landscape of these two reproductive cancers is regulated by ncRNAs in an African cohort may help elucidate the relationship between race and pathological disparities of these two diseases. This review focuses on global disparities in medicine, PCa and ECa. The role of precision oncology in PCa and ECa in the African population will also be discussed.
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5
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Fernandez PW. Prostate Cancer Genomics Research Disparities in Africa: Advancing Knowledge in Resource Constrained Settings. Cancer Control 2022; 29:10732748221095952. [PMID: 35475404 PMCID: PMC9087236 DOI: 10.1177/10732748221095952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer disproportionately affects men of African descent and it is
estimated that Africa will bear the highest disease burden in the next decade.
Underlying genomic factors may contribute to prostate cancer disparities;
however, it is unclear whether Africa has prioritised genomics research toward
addressing these disparities. A Pubmed review was performed of publications
spanning a 15-year period, with specific focus on prostate cancer genomics
research that included samples from Africa and investigators in Africa. Data are
presented on research publications from Africa relative to similar publications
from different geographical regions, and more specifically, the extent of
disparities and the contributions to prostate cancer knowledge as a result of
genomics research that included African samples and African institutions.
Limited publication output may reflect the infrastructure and funding challenges
in Africa. Widespread cooperation should be fostered by sharing capacity and
leveraging existing expertise to address the growing cancer burden facing the
continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro W Fernandez
- Division of Urology, 26697Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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6
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Dzobo K. What to Do for Increasing Cancer Burden on the African Continent? Accelerating Public Health Diagnostics Innovation for Prevention and Early Intervention on Cancers. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2021; 25:567-579. [PMID: 34399067 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2021.0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
No other place illustrates the increasing burden of cancer than in Africa and in particular, sub-Saharan Africa. Many of the individuals to be diagnosed with cancer will be in low-resource settings in the future due to, for example, an increase in populations and aging, and high co-morbidity with infections with viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV), as well as the presence of infectious agents linked to cancer development. Due to lack of prevention and diagnostic innovation, patients present with advanced cancers, leading to poor survival and increased mortality. HIV infection-associated cancers such as B cell lymphomas, Kaposi's sarcoma, and HPV-associated cancers such as cervical cancer are particularly noteworthy in this context. Recent reports show that a host of other cancers are also associated with viral infection and these include lung, oral cavity, esophageal, and pharyngeal, hepatocellular carcinoma, and anal and vulvar cancers. This article examines the ways in which diagnostic innovation empowered by integrative biology and informed by public health priorities can improve cancer prevention or early intervention in Africa and beyond. In addition, I argue that because diagnostic biomarkers can often overlap with novel therapeutic targets, diagnostics research and development can have broader value for and impact on medical innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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7
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Kiely M, Ambs S. Immune Inflammation Pathways as Therapeutic Targets to Reduce Lethal Prostate Cancer in African American Men. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2874. [PMID: 34207505 PMCID: PMC8227648 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite substantial improvements in cancer survival, not all population groups have benefitted equally from this progress. For prostate cancer, men of African descent in the United States and England continue to have about double the rate of fatal disease compared to other men. Studies suggest that when there is equal access to care, survival disparities are greatly diminished. However, notable differences exist in prostate tumor biology across population groups. Ancestral factors and disparate exposures can lead to altered tumor biology, resulting in a distinct disease etiology by population group. While equal care remains the key target to improve survival, additional efforts should be made to gain comprehensive knowledge of the tumor biology in prostate cancer patients of African descent. Such an approach may identify novel intervention strategies in the era of precision medicine. A growing body of evidence shows that inflammation and the immune response may play a distinct role in prostate cancer disparities. Low-grade chronic inflammation and an inflammatory tumor microenvironment are more prevalent in African American patients and have been associated with adverse outcomes. Thus, differences in activation of immune-inflammatory pathways between African American and European American men with prostate cancer may exist. These differences may influence the response to immune therapy which is consistent with recent observations. This review will discuss mechanisms by which inflammation may contribute to the disparate outcomes experienced by African American men with prostate cancer and how these immunogenic and inflammatory vulnerabilities could be exploited to improve their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Ambs
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
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8
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Acheampong E, Adu EA, Obirikorang C, Amoah G, Afriyie OO, Yorke J, Anto EO, Gyamfi MA, Acheampong EN, Gyasi-Sarpong CK, Yeboah FA. Association of genetic variants with prostate cancer in Africa: a concise review. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-021-00157-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Prostate cancer (PCa) has one of the highest heritability of all major cancers, where the genetic contribution has been documented, and knowledge about the molecular genetics of the disease is increasing. However, the extent and aspects to which genetic variants explain PCa heritability in Africa are limited.
Main body
In this review, we summarize studies that highlight how identified genetic variants explain differences in PCa incidence and presentation across ethnic groups. We also present the knowledge gaps in PCa genetics in Africa and why Africa represents an untapped potential ground for genetic studies on PCa. A significant number of genome-wide association studies, linkage, and fine-mapping analyses have been conducted globally, and that explains 30–33% of PCa heritability. The African ancestry has a significant mention in PCa incidence and presentation. To date, the candidate gene approach has replicated 23 polymorphisms including dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeats in 16 genes. CYP17-rs743572, CYP3A4-rs2740574, CYP3A5-rs776746, CYP3A43-rs501275, and haplotype blocks, containing these variants, are significantly associated with PCa among some population groups but not others. With the few existing studies, the extent of genetic diversity in Africa suggests that genetic associations of PCa to African ancestry go beyond nucleotide sequence polymorphisms, to a level of environmental adaptation, which may interpret genetic risk profiles. Also, the shreds of evidence suggest that evolutionary history contributes to the high rates of PCa relative to African ancestry, and genetic associations do not always replicate across populations.
Conclusion
The genetic architecture of PCa in Africa provides important contributions to the global understanding of PCa specifically the African-ancestry hypothesis. There is a need for more prostate cancer consortiums to justify the heritable certainties of PCa among Africans, and emphasis should be placed on the genetic epidemiological model of PCa in Africa.
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9
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Shackleton EG, Ali HY, Khan M, Pockley GA, McArdle SE. Novel Combinatorial Approaches to Tackle the Immunosuppressive Microenvironment of Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1145. [PMID: 33800156 PMCID: PMC7962457 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second-most common cancer in men worldwide and treatment options for patients with advanced or aggressive prostate cancer or recurrent disease continue to be of limited success and are rarely curative. Despite immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) efficacy in some melanoma, lung, kidney and breast cancers, immunotherapy efforts have been remarkably unsuccessful in PCa. One hypothesis behind this lack of efficacy is the generation of a distinctly immunosuppressive prostate tumor microenvironment (TME) by regulatory T cells, MDSCs, and type 2 macrophages which have been implicated in a variety of pathological conditions including solid cancers. In PCa, Tregs and MDSCs are attracted to TME by low-grade chronic inflammatory signals, while tissue-resident type 2 macrophages are induced by cytokines such as IL4, IL10, IL13, transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) produced by Th2 cells. These then drive tumor progression, therapy resistance and the generation of castration resistance, ultimately conferring a poor prognosis. The biology of MDSC and Treg is highly complex and the development, proliferation, maturation or function can each be pharmacologically mediated to counteract the immunosuppressive effects of these cells. Herein, we present a critical review of Treg, MDSC and M2 involvement in PCa progression but also investigate a newly recognized type of immune suppression induced by the chronic stimulation of the sympathetic adrenergic signaling pathway and propose targeted strategies to be used in a combinatorial modality with immunotherapy interventions such as ICB, Sipuleucel-T or antitumor vaccines for an enhanced anti-PCa tumor immune response. We conclude that a strategic sequence of therapeutic interventions in combination with additional holistic measures will be necessary to achieve maximum benefit for PCa patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin G. Shackleton
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK; (E.G.S.); (H.Y.A.); (G.A.P.)
| | - Haleema Yoosuf Ali
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK; (E.G.S.); (H.Y.A.); (G.A.P.)
| | - Masood Khan
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK;
| | - Graham A. Pockley
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK; (E.G.S.); (H.Y.A.); (G.A.P.)
- Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Stephanie E. McArdle
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK; (E.G.S.); (H.Y.A.); (G.A.P.)
- Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
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10
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Minas TZ, Kiely M, Ajao A, Ambs S. An overview of cancer health disparities: new approaches and insights and why they matter. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:2-13. [PMID: 33185680 PMCID: PMC7717137 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer health disparities remain stubbornly entrenched in the US health care system. The Affordable Care Act was legislation to target these disparities in health outcomes. Expanded access to health care, reduction in tobacco use, uptake of other preventive measures and cancer screening, and improved cancer therapies greatly reduced cancer mortality among women and men and underserved communities in this country. Yet, disparities in cancer outcomes remain. Underserved populations continue to experience an excessive cancer burden. This burden is largely explained by health care disparities, lifestyle factors, cultural barriers, and disparate exposures to carcinogens and pathogens, as exemplified by the COVID-19 epidemic. However, research also shows that comorbidities, social stress, ancestral and immunobiological factors, and the microbiome, may contribute to health disparities in cancer risk and survival. Recent studies revealed that comorbid conditions can induce an adverse tumor biology, leading to a more aggressive disease and decreased patient survival. In this review, we will discuss unanswered questions and new opportunities in cancer health disparity research related to comorbid chronic diseases, stress signaling, the immune response, and the microbiome, and what contribution these factors may have as causes of cancer health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsion Zewdu Minas
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center of Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maeve Kiely
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center of Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anuoluwapo Ajao
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center of Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stefan Ambs
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center of Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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11
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Munung NS, Ambele MA, Moela P. Advancing global equity in cancer genomics - challenges and opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 66:20-24. [PMID: 33373832 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Developments in genomics in the last decade has improved our understanding of the role of genetics in health and disease. One area where the impact of genomics is very noticeable is in oncology, specifically in terms of diagnosis and elucidating genetic predisposition to rare and common cancers. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) stands to benefit from cancer genomics, given recent spikes in the incidence of various types of cancers in the region. This mini review presents, from a health and science equity perspective, how genomics could shape cancer research and clinical care in SSA. We highlight some pan-African genomics and cancer initiatives that are facilitating cancer genomics research in SSA. We conclude with recommendations on how the ideals of equity may be advanced in cancer genomics initiatives in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nchangwi S Munung
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Melvin A Ambele
- Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, and SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Pontsho Moela
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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12
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Harlemon M, Ajayi O, Kachambwa P, Kim MS, Simonti CN, Quiver MH, Petersen DC, Mittal A, Fernandez PW, Hsing AW, Baichoo S, Agalliu I, Jalloh M, Gueye SM, Snyper NYF, Adusei B, Mensah JE, Abrahams AOD, Adebiyi AO, Orunmuyi AT, Aisuodionoe-Shadrach OI, Nwegbu MM, Joffe M, Chen WC, Irusen H, Neugut AI, Quintana Y, Seutloali M, Fadipe MB, Warren C, Woehrmann MH, Zhang P, Ongaco CM, Mawhinney M, McBride J, Andrews CV, Adams M, Pugh E, Rebbeck TR, Petersen LN, Lachance J. A Custom Genotyping Array Reveals Population-Level Heterogeneity for the Genetic Risks of Prostate Cancer and Other Cancers in Africa. Cancer Res 2020; 80:2956-2966. [PMID: 32393663 PMCID: PMC7335354 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-2165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality for African men, the vast majority of known disease associations have been detected in European study cohorts. Furthermore, most genome-wide association studies have used genotyping arrays that are hindered by SNP ascertainment bias. To overcome these disparities in genomic medicine, the Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP) Network has developed a genotyping array that is optimized for African populations. The MADCaP Array contains more than 1.5 million markers and an imputation backbone that successfully tags over 94% of common genetic variants in African populations. This array also has a high density of markers in genomic regions associated with cancer susceptibility, including 8q24. We assessed the effectiveness of the MADCaP Array by genotyping 399 prostate cancer cases and 403 controls from seven urban study sites in sub-Saharan Africa. Samples from Ghana and Nigeria clustered together, whereas samples from Senegal and South Africa yielded distinct ancestry clusters. Using the MADCaP array, we identified cancer-associated loci that have large allele frequency differences across African populations. Polygenic risk scores for prostate cancer were higher in Nigeria than in Senegal. In summary, individual and population-level differences in prostate cancer risk were revealed using a novel genotyping array. SIGNIFICANCE: This study presents an Africa-specific genotyping array, which enables investigators to identify novel disease associations and to fine-map genetic loci that are associated with prostate and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxine Harlemon
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
- Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Olabode Ajayi
- Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Michelle S Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Corinne N Simonti
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Melanie H Quiver
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | - Pedro W Fernandez
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ann W Hsing
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | | | - Ilir Agalliu
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Mohamed Jalloh
- Hôpital Général de Grand Yoff, Institut de Formation et de Recherche en Urologie et Santé Familiale, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Serigne M Gueye
- Hôpital Général de Grand Yoff, Institut de Formation et de Recherche en Urologie et Santé Familiale, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - James E Mensah
- Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | - Maxwell M Nwegbu
- College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Maureen Joffe
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- MRC Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wenlong C Chen
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Cancer Registry, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hayley Irusen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alfred I Neugut
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Yuri Quintana
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Mayowa B Fadipe
- Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Peng Zhang
- Center for Inherited Disease Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chrissie M Ongaco
- Center for Inherited Disease Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michelle Mawhinney
- Center for Inherited Disease Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jo McBride
- Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Marcia Adams
- Center for Inherited Disease Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Elizabeth Pugh
- Center for Inherited Disease Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Timothy R Rebbeck
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Joseph Lachance
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia.
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R Rebbeck
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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14
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Woods-Burnham L, Stiel L, Martinez SR, Sanchez-Hernandez ES, Ruckle HC, Almaguel FG, Stern MC, Roberts LR, Williams DR, Montgomery S, Casiano CA. Psychosocial Stress, Glucocorticoid Signaling, and Prostate Cancer Health Disparities in African American Men. CANCER HEALTH DISPARITIES 2020; 4:https://companyofscientists.com/index.php/chd/article/view/169/188. [PMID: 35252767 PMCID: PMC8896511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in our understanding of racial disparities in prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and mortality that disproportionately affect African American (AA) men have provided important insights into the psychosocial, socioeconomic, environmental, and molecular contributors. There is, however, limited mechanistic knowledge of how the interplay between these determinants influences prostate tumor aggressiveness in AA men and other men of African ancestry. Growing evidence indicates that chronic psychosocial stress in AA populations leads to sustained glucocorticoid signaling through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), with negative physiological and pathological consequences. Compelling evidence indicates that treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with anti-androgen therapy activates GR signaling. This enhanced GR signaling bypasses androgen receptor (AR) signaling and transcriptionally activates both AR-target genes and GR-target genes, resulting in increased prostate tumor resistance to anti-androgen therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Given its enhanced signaling in AA men, GR-together with specific genetic drivers-may promote CRPC progression and exacerbate tumor aggressiveness in this population, potentially contributing to PCa mortality disparities. Ongoing and future CRPC clinical trials that combine standard of care therapies with GR modulators should assess racial differences in therapy response and clinical outcomes in order to improve PCa health disparities that continue to exist for AA men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Woods-Burnham
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine and Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Laura Stiel
- Loma Linda University School of Behavioral Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Shannalee R. Martinez
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine and Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Evelyn S. Sanchez-Hernandez
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine and Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Herbert C. Ruckle
- Department of Surgical Urology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Frankis G. Almaguel
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine and Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
- Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Mariana C. Stern
- Departments of Preventive Medicine and Urology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lisa R. Roberts
- Loma Linda University School of Nursing, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - David R. Williams
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard University School of Public Health
| | - Susanne Montgomery
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine and Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
- Loma Linda University School of Behavioral Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Carlos A. Casiano
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine and Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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