Racial Disparity in Response to Prostate Cancer Systemic Therapies

Curr Oncol Rep. 2020 Jul 23;22(9):96. doi: 10.1007/s11912-020-00966-z.

Abstract

Purpose of review: In this review, we aim to describe racial differences in response to treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Recent findings: Recent data suggests that, despite higher risk features, African Americans may respond better than Caucasians to systemic therapies for advanced prostate cancer. This improved response is not limited to one class of drugs but can be seen with androgen-pathway directed therapies, chemotherapy, bone-targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The mechanisms for this are being further explored. African Americans may respond better to mCRPC treatments but validation in prospective clinical trials is needed.

Keywords: Abiraterone; African Americans; CRPC; Docetaxel; Metastatic prostate cancer; Racial disparities; Sipuleucel-T.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Black or African American
  • Healthcare Disparities / ethnology*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / ethnology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • White People

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists