Gynecologic Cancer Center for Racial Disparities

摘要

There are significant health-related disparities in outcome among women in the United States with different types of gynecologic cancer. This research hypothesizes that poor outcomes among minorities with gynecologic cancer exists because of biological differences in tumors related to race and ethnicity; cultural, social, and psychological barriers to accessing care; less than optimal screening services and prevention strategies; and unequal provision of quality health care and tailored therapeutics. In this study, an analysis of the genomic and proteomic expression of gynecologic cancers will be undertaken to determine if there are molecular differences that partially account for the poor outcome among minority patients with gynecologic cancer. This analysis will be expanded in future years to include larger underserved cohorts and comprehensive epidemiological data that will facilitate more detailed genetic and epigenetic analysis. Epidemiological surveys will be used to identify demographic and behavioral differences that lead to poor outcomes. The authors will do a preliminary evaluation of the use of psychosocial intervention on decreasing morbidity among minorities. They also will develop vaccine strategies and specific antibody reagents for the detection of unique targets that are differentially expressed by African Americans and Caucasians with endometrial cancer. The incidence, severity, and overall burden of cancer in the United States vary by race, ethnicity, and other demographic factors. This project will focus on identifying the reasons underlying poor outcome among minority groups with gynecologic malignancy so that education, screening, prevention, and treatment algorithms can be tailored to high-risk populations to reduce morbidity and mortality among the underserved.