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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 2, 2013
Revisiting HER2 in Prostate Cancer from an Inclusive Perspective: From Biomarkers to Omics
Nicole Mavingire1, Janelle C Moore1, Jabril R Johnson2
1Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA.
Abstract:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a major driver of disease progression, treatment resistance, and worse survival for patients with various types of cancers, including prostate cancer. However, key bench studies and clinical trials have failed to evaluate the role of HER2 in prostate cancer using racially diverse experimental designs and protocols. This lack of diversity represents what has been the status quo of cancer research in the United States for decades. In the case of prostate cancer, homogenic study designs are problematic as Black men are much more likely to be diagnosed and die from aggressive and incurable forms of the disease. Therefore, the strategic inclusion of biospecimens collected from Black patients as well as the recruitment and enrollment of Black men into prostate cancer clinical trials is necessary to comprehensively evaluate genetic and molecular factors that contribute to variable outcomes in this high-risk population. Additionally, a higher prevalence of HER2 expression in Black men was recently reported in a small cohort of prostate cancer patients and may contribute to worsened prognosis. In this review, we carefully consider the role of HER2 in prostate cancer while, for the first time, taking into account the influences of race and genetic ancestry.
Insights
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) drives prostate cancer progression. Research must include diverse populations, especially Black men, to understand HER2
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is implicated in cancer progression and treatment resistance.
- Prostate cancer disproportionately affects Black men, who have higher rates of aggressive disease.
- Current research often lacks racial diversity, hindering understanding of variable outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of HER2 in prostate cancer, considering race and genetic ancestry.
- To highlight the need for diverse study designs in cancer research.
- To address the underrepresentation of Black men in clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on HER2 and prostate cancer.
- Analysis of the impact of race and genetic ancestry on HER2 expression and prostate cancer outcomes.
- Examination of the implications of homogeneous study designs.
Main Results:
- HER2 is a significant factor in prostate cancer progression and survival.
- Lack of racial diversity in studies limits comprehensive understanding.
- Emerging data suggests higher HER2 prevalence in Black men, potentially worsening prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Incorporating diverse biospecimens and patient populations, particularly Black men, is crucial for prostate cancer research.
- Understanding the influence of race and ancestry on HER2 is necessary for equitable cancer care.
- Future research must prioritize inclusive methodologies to address health disparities.
