Precision oncology and genetic ancestry: The science behind population-based cancer disparities.

Overview

Precision oncology has transformed cancer care but has barely benefited patients of diverse ancestry. Historically, self-reported race/ethnicity has served as a surrogate for biological differences, but genetic ancestry provides a more precise framework for understanding genetic drivers of cancer disparities, including associations between ancestry and tumor subtypes, and genetic variants affecting drug metabolism and treatment response. To improve precision oncology for all patients and reduce cancer disparities, we propose expanding ancestry-inclusive genomic data, reevaluating disease-associated variants within ancestrally diverse cohorts, and standardizing data-sharing practices.