The National Cancer Center Japan's study, released on February 29, unveils a significant disparity in gene mutations, specifically in the TP53 gene, among Japanese cancer patients when compared to their counterparts in the United States. By analyzing genomic data from 50,000 cancer patients in Japan, the research team shed light on the underrepresentation of Asian populations in pharmaceutical research and emphasized the importance of considering genetic diversity in drug development.
The study's findings point to a lack of targeted therapeutic options for specific gene mutations in cancers prevalent in Japan, such as biliary tract cancer, due to the predominance of data gathered primarily from Western populations. This highlights the necessity for pharmaceutical companies to take into account the genetic makeup of Japanese and Asian patients to tailor medications more effectively. Dr. Keisuke Kataoka, chief of the Division of Molecular Oncology at the National Cancer Center Research Institute, emphasized the significance of acknowledging racial disparities in gene mutations and the potential impact on the development of new cancer drugs.
According to the study, the abundance of TP53 gene mutations in Japanese cancer patients, notably in bladder and colon cancers, contrasts with lower frequencies observed in the United States. This discrepancy underscores the need for a more inclusive approach in drug development that considers diverse genetic profiles worldwide. The research also revealed that while drugs targeting specific gene mutations are available in only a small percentage of cases, patients with certain types of cancer, like thyroid and breast cancer, have better access to these treatments compared to others.