Racial-ethnic variations in phyllodes tumors among a multicenter United States cohort

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Breast Cancer Research

Background:

• Previous studies noted racial-ethnic disparities in phyllodes tumor (PT) diagnosis and outcomes.
• Existing research is limited in scope and generalizability.
• This study addresses these limitations by analyzing a large US cohort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate racial-ethnic variations in age at diagnosis, tumor characteristics, and recurrence rates among women with phyllodes tumors (PT).
• To inform clinical practice regarding potential race-based differences in PT management.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review across 11 institutions from 2007 to 2017.
• Analysis of patient age, tumor size, tumor subtype, and recurrence-free survival stratified by race-ethnicity.

Main Results:

• Women of non-White race or Hispanic ethnicity were diagnosed with PT at a younger age.
• A higher proportion of malignant PT was observed in Non-Hispanic Other women.
• No significant differences in recurrence-free survival were found across racial-ethnic groups.

Conclusions:

• Observed differences in age, tumor size, and subtype were clinically minor.
• Workup for young women with breast masses and PT treatment should not be race-ethnicity dependent.
• The absence of recurrence differences supports standardized management protocols for phyllodes tumors.