Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2025
11:47
Time-lapse Imaging of Primary Preneoplastic Mammary Epithelial Cells Derived from Genetically Engineered Mouse Models of Breast Cancer
Published on: February 8, 2013
11.9K
Breast Cancer Phenotypes in Africa: A Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis
Abimbola F Onyia1,2, Toluwani A Nana1, Elijah A Adewale1
1Department of Biochemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.
JCO Global Oncology
|December 12, 2023
Summary
Breast cancer (BC) subtypes vary across Africa. Luminal BC is most common overall, but West Africa shows higher rates of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)+ and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Breast cancer (BC) is a significant health concern in Africa, with anecdotal evidence suggesting more aggressive forms.
- Limited data exists on the distribution of distinct BC molecular subtypes across the African continent.
- Understanding these patterns is crucial for targeted treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Approach:
- A comprehensive scoping review and meta-analysis was conducted, analyzing studies published between 2000 and 2022.
- Data from four major online databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, EBSCOhost) were systematically screened.
- A random-effects model was employed for meta-analysis, calculating pooled frequencies and heterogeneity.
Key Points:
- The pooled frequency of BC subtypes in Africa was estimated as Luminal (56.30%), Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) (28.10%), and HER2-positive (HER2+) (12.61%).
- Regional variations were observed: Northern Africa showed a higher prevalence of Luminal BC.
- West Africa exhibited increased frequencies of HER2+ and TNBC subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Significant disparities exist in the molecular subtype distribution of breast cancer across different African regions.
- Routine molecular subtyping of breast cancer should be integrated into clinical management for African patients.
- Further research encompassing more African countries is warranted to fully elucidate BC subtype epidemiology.
Related Concept Videos
02:07Tumor Progression
6.3K
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
6.3K
02:21Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
12.0K
Cancer arises from mutations in the critical genes that allow healthy cells to escape cell cycle regulation and acquire the ability to proliferate indefinitely. Though originating from a single mutation event in one of the originator cells, cancer progresses when the mutant cell lines continue to gain more and more mutations, and finally, become malignant. For example, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) develops initially as a non-lethal increase in white blood cells, which progressively...
12.0K
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
355
Cancer survival analysis focuses on quantifying and interpreting the time from a key starting point, such as diagnosis or the initiation of treatment, to a specific endpoint, such as remission or death. This analysis provides critical insights into treatment effectiveness and factors that influence patient outcomes, helping to shape clinical decisions and guide prognostic evaluations. A cornerstone of oncology research, survival analysis tackles the challenges of skewed, non-normally...
355
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
8.9K
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
8.9K