Increasing Ancestral Diversity in Lupus Trials: Ways Forward

Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2020 Nov;46(4):713-722. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2020.07.011. Epub 2020 Sep 9.

Abstract

Significant disparities exist in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) regarding prevalence, disease severity, and mortality, with race/ethnic minorities being disproportionately affected in the United States. This review highlights that despite these disparities, race/ethnic minority underrepresentation remains an issue within SLE research. Decreased race/ethnic minority involvement in SLE research has real-world implications, including less understanding of the disease and less applicability of approved therapies among diverse groups of patients. Members of the SLE research community have an obligation to narrow this gap to ensure that future advances within the field are derived from and benefit a more representative group of patients.

Keywords: Biomedical studies; Clinical trials; Diversity; Health disparities; Heterogeneity; Lupus; Treatment response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic* / standards
  • Ethnicity
  • Health Status Disparities*
  • Healthcare Disparities* / ethnology
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / epidemiology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / ethnology
  • Minority Groups
  • Patient Selection*
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Vulnerable Populations / ethnology