The National Cancer Center Japan recently published a study highlighting the prevalence of mutations in the TP53 gene among Japanese cancer patients, showing a higher frequency compared to patients in the United States. The team of researchers examined the genomic profiles of 50,000 individuals in Japan diagnosed with various cancers, such as colon cancer, bile duct cancer, and head and neck cancer.
Traditionally, pharmaceutical companies have focused on developing cancer treatments based on data primarily gathered from Western populations, particularly in the United States and Europe. This new study underscores the importance of considering the genetic differences of Japanese and other Asian cancer patients to enhance the efficacy of medications tailored to specific gene mutations. The findings indicate a lack of targeted treatments for certain cancers prevalent in Japan, like biliary tract cancer, emphasizing the need for more personalized approaches in drug development for this population.
Chief of the Division of Molecular Oncology at the National Cancer Center Research Institute, Keisuke Kataoka, acknowledged the significance of recognizing racial disparities in gene mutations, suggesting that these findings could lead to the development of novel cancer drugs and stimulate further research initiatives. By analyzing genomic data collected up to August 2023, the study conducted by the National Cancer Center Japan marks a pioneering effort in revealing the mutational landscape of tumors across different cancer types and stands as one of the largest genomic analyses of cancers in Asia to date.