Kidney cancer epidemiology in a French Afro-descendant population: high prevalence of papillary renal cell carcinoma

TL;DR

This study finds that papillary kidney cancer is common in a French Afro-descendant population, suggesting possible genetic or environmental factors.

Contribution

The study provides the first data on kidney cancer subtypes in an Afro-descendant population within a European healthcare system.

Findings

Papillary renal cell carcinoma accounted for 36% of kidney cancer cases in the studied population.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma was found in 43% of cases, but papillary was more prevalent than in other populations.

The study highlights the need for further research into environmental and genetic factors influencing papillary RCC in Afro-descendant populations.

Abstract

Ethnic disparities in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) subtypes have been well documented in the United States (US), but no comparable data exist for Afro-descendant populations living within a European healthcare system. In the US, several studies have shown a significantly higher incidence of papillary renal cell carcinoma among populations of African descent. The aim of this study is to analyze the epidemiology of kidney cancer in a French Caribbean population, mainly of African descent.

This retrospective study included all patients who underwent total or partial nephrectomy, or renal biopsy at the University Hospital of Guadeloupe between January 2016 and October 2022. Data on clinical features, tumor characteristics, biology, histology and survival were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using StatView version 5.0 software.

A total of 126 patients had been included between January 2016 and October 2022. The median age at diagnosis was 66.0 years [IQR: 57.2–71.8]. Overall, 70% of patients had arterial hypertension, 12% were on dialysis and 5.6% had a history of kidney transplantation. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma accounted for 43% of cases and Papillary renal cell carcinoma for 36% of cases.

These findings highlight unique epidemiological patterns in a French Afro-descendant populations and emphasize the need for molecular and clinical research focused on papillary RCC. These findings suggest potential environmental and genetic influences in the development of PRCC.

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