Cell Proliferation

A patient’s genetic ancestry can significantly influence cancer progression and survival rates, according to research presented at the European Society of Human Genetics conference. By integrating ancestry data with tumor sequencing, doctors can more accurately predict patient outcomes, particularly in pancreatic and breast cancers, without requiring additional clinical tests.

How does genetic ancestry influence cancer survival?

Genetic ancestry plays a measurable role in how tumors behave and how patients respond to treatment. Dr. Yixuan He, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center, led a study analyzing nearly 1,900 specific genetic changes across more than 30,000 patients. The research, conducted alongside PhD student Jiawei Tu, utilized data from two major medical institutions: Dana Farber in Boston and MD Anderson in Houston.

The team focused on five specific cancer types: breast, colorectal, glioma (brain cancer), pancreas, and lung. Their findings revealed dozens of mutations that appear more or less frequently depending on a patient’s geographic origins. Notably, about half of these ancestry-linked mutations can already be targeted by existing medical treatments.

The study found that adding ancestry information to predictive scoring systems made survival predictions more accurate. This improvement was most pronounced in patients with pancreatic cancer and breast cancer. For example, researchers identified an enrichment of the CDK6 gene—which controls how cells multiply—in African American breast cancer patients.

Why is this study different from previous cancer research?

While prediction scoring exists in oncology, this represents the largest analysis of its kind. Dr. He noted that previous studies were often limited to small groups within a single population or a single tumor type. Many older studies also failed to account for long-term clinical outcomes or environmental variables.

To ensure the results weren’t skewed by outside factors, the University of Texas team factored in socioeconomic status and air pollution levels. This approach allowed them to isolate the impact of genetics from the impact of a patient’s environment. By broadening the scope, the researchers aimed to demonstrate the “real, measurable impact” of ancestry on clinical outcomes.

Can doctors use this information without extra costs?

Integrating ancestry data into standard care does not require new, expensive tests. Because tumor sequencing is already a common practice in modern oncology, genetic ancestry can be estimated directly from that existing data. Similarly, environmental factors can be estimated based on a patient’s residence.

The primary obstacle is not technology, but clinical workflow. Dr. He stated that the challenge lies in creating a system that allows doctors to derive these factors from routine data collection. The research team is currently working with oncologists to build these practical pathways into hospital settings.

What are the next steps for genomic oncology?

The research team plans to expand their analysis to include a wider variety of cancers and additional environmental factors, such as smoking habits and other specific pollutants. They are also seeking to replicate these findings across different patient cohorts to ensure the results are consistent globally.

Professor Alexandre Reymond, Chair of the European Society of Human Genetics, emphasized the importance of this shift. Although not involved in the study, Reymond stated that the research convincingly shows the need to assess disease risks in diverse populations to fully personalize medicine.

By identifying specific markers, doctors can better match treatments to a patient’s unique genetic makeup. This ensures that therapies are effective across a diverse range of patients, rather than being optimized for only one demographic.