Histopathologic, genetic and molecular characterization of endometrial cancer racial disparity

Abstract

In contrast to the decline in incidence and mortality of most other cancers, these rates are rising for endometrial cancer. Black women with endometrial cancer have earlier diagnosis, more aggressive histology, advanced stage and worse outcomes compared with their White counterparts. Socioeconomic status, a higher incidence of aggressive histology, and comorbid conditions are known factors leading to racial disparity in patients with endometrial cancer; nevertheless, they do not account for the entire racial disparity; which emphasizes the roles of molecular, histopathological and genetic factors. We performed a comprehensive review of all published scientific literature up to January 2021 reporting histopathologic, genetic and molecular factors associated with racial disparities in patients with endometrial cancer. The interactions and pathways of molecules reported to have significant differential expression in endometrial cancers from Black and White patients were identified with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. The majority of studies compared Black and White patients; however, limited data are available for other racial and ethnic groups. Reported differences that could account for the worse survival of Black endometrial cancer patients include more aggressive histopathologies and molecular alterations, including upregulation of molecules driving cell cycle progression, and p53 and HER2/NEU signaling. Several of these molecules are targeted by existing pharmaceuticals. These findings encourage further study and the development of race-specific treatment strategies.