The clinical and molecular landscape of breast cancer in women of African and South Asian ancestry

Graeme J. Thorn, Emanuela Gadaleta, Abu Z. M. Dayem Ullah, Lewis G. E. James, Maryam Abdollahyan, Rachel Barrow-McGee, Louise J. Jones and Claude Chelala ()
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Graeme J. Thorn: Queen Mary University of London
Emanuela Gadaleta: Queen Mary University of London
Abu Z. M. Dayem Ullah: Queen Mary University of London
Lewis G. E. James: Queen Mary University of London
Maryam Abdollahyan: Queen Mary University of London
Rachel Barrow-McGee: Queen Mary University of London
Louise J. Jones: Queen Mary University of London
Claude Chelala: Queen Mary University of London

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-20

Abstract: Abstract Addressing existing racial disparity in breast cancer is crucial to ensure equitable benefit across diverse communities. We evaluate the molecular and clinical effects of genetic ancestry in African and South Asian women compared to European using a combined cohort of 7136 breast cancer patients. We find that non-European patients present significantly earlier and die at a younger age. The African group has an increased prevalence of higher grade and hormone receptor negative disease. The South Asian group shows tendency towards lower stage at diagnosis and tumour mutational burden. We observe differences and similarities in the somatic mutational landscape, and differences in germline mutation rates relevant to genetic testing and breast cancer predisposition. Potential therapeutic candidates are identified, with a higher propensity for homologous recombination deficiency serving as a therapy response indicator. We harness breast cancer multimodal data to improve understanding of ancestry-associated differences and highlight opportunities to advance health equity.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59144-z

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