Genetics of prostate cancer in diverse populations

With extended collaborations with the MADCaP consortium, we investigated the heterogeneity in the genetic architectures of prostate cancer across diverse populations, identifying population-specific alleles that enhance genetic-ancestry-informed prediction of prostate cancer risk.

A network analysis led to the identification of an African-ancestry haplotype in the 8q24.21 locus with a 2.4-fold higher risk of prostate cancer incidence. This yielded the first African genetic cancer risk predictor, showing that the genetic architecture largely varies within Africa and across global continental populations.

Findings from this work have resulted in enhanced risk prediction among African American populations, emphasizing the utility of genetic ancestry-based risk predictions beyond continental populations.