Addressing Breast Cancer Disparities in Black Women

BCRF’s Ongoing Research Efforts

BCRF recognizes the continued need for more research to end disparities faced by Black women across the U.S. A snapshot of the current BCRF-supported projects specifically in this area include:

Understanding the Tumor Microenvironment

Drs. Christine Ambrosone and Chi-Chen Hong are studying the types of immune cells found in and around breast tumors from both Black and white women to determine if they affect tumor aggressiveness.

Identifying Genetic Factors

Dr. Fergus Couch has identified inherited mutations in breast cancer susceptibility genes that confer an increased risk of TNBC and may be important for screening in high-risk Black women. His team examined gene mutations in a large, racially diverse population of American women. This study showed that mutations in the BARD1, RAD51C, and RAD51D genes, while very uncommon, appear more frequently in Black women with breast cancer and are associated with an increased risk of both TNBC and estrogen receptor (ER)–negative breast cancer.

Examining Social Determinants

In a cohort of 100 breast cancer patients with African ancestry, Dr. Melissa Davis is studying the relationships between social determinants of health, ancestry, the tumor micro-environment, and survival.

Improving Access to Clinical Trials

Dr. Carmen Guerra is investigating ways to mitigate unconscious bias that may decrease Black women’s enrollment in clinical trials, recognizing that access to these trials is vital to their survival.

Evaluating Treatment Outcomes

In her BCRF project, Dr. MacGregor is looking at underrepresented or understudied populations, including racial and ethnic minorities as well as older people, and evaluating the rates of treatment completion and how treatment-related toxicities and access to care impact these groups.

Understanding Immune Pathways

Dr. Kathy Miller is identifying differences in immune pathway activation between Black and white women with breast cancer in order to exploit any unique biologic vulnerabilities inherent in Black women’s tumors to improve outcomes.

Promoting Diversity in Research

Dr. Lisa Newman is conducting a pilot study to both tackle breast cancer disparities related to race and ethnicity and to provide a platform for Black physicians to be more engaged in research.

Identifying Genetic Factors

Drs. Olufunmilayo (Funmi) Olopade and Dezheng Huo are identifying genetic factors responsible for TNBC and those that specifically predispose Black women to this aggressive disease. Dr. Olopade and colleagues were the first to discover that Black women have a higher incidence of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes—as well as other inherited susceptibility genes—compared to their white counterparts.

Uncovering Genetic Differences

Work led by Dr. Charles Perou and BCRF collaborators has uncovered differences in the genes and gene mutations found in Black women’s breast tumors compared to those in white women. His team is building on their findings to identify the drivers of metastatic disease, determine the adaptive immune system’s role in breast tumor progression, and improve therapeutic targeting of TNBC tumors to decrease disparities in outcomes.

Personalized Medicine

Utilizing data from completed and ongoing clinical trials, Dr. Priyanka Sharma is studying the relationship between race and treatment response biomarkers in TNBC. Ultimately, her research will move us closer to personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to an individual’s cancer biology.

Conclusion

BCRF’s commitment to addressing breast cancer disparities in Black women is evident in the breadth and depth of our research initiatives. By supporting projects that examine the complex interplay of social determinants, genetic factors, and treatment outcomes, we can work towards a future where every woman has an equal chance of beating this disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the scope of BCRF’s research initiatives in this area?
A: BCRF is supporting a range of projects that aim to understand the biological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to breast cancer disparities in Black women.

Q: How do these initiatives address the need for more research in this area?
A: By examining the complexities of breast cancer in Black women and identifying opportunities for improving outcomes, these initiatives will move us closer to a future where all women have an equal chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer and having access to effective treatments.

Q: What is the goal of Dr. Priyanka Sharma’s research?
A: Dr. Sharma’s research aims to study the relationship between race and treatment response biomarkers in TNBC, ultimately moving us closer to personalized medicine and tailoring treatments to an individual’s cancer biology.