Minority Access Research Articles

Community Gatekeepers: Power, Pitfalls and Possibilities When Recruiting and Researching Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Participants

Using data from a large primarily qualitative research project on how people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities experience and access health services, this methodological article focuses on the role of the community gatekeeper – a role that has significance for research teams globally when attempting to involve those facing multiple forms of exclusion. Drawing on standpoint feminist principles and using a reflexive approach, researcher positionality, situated knowledges, and the power dynamics between researchers, participants, and community gatekeepers are reflected upon. Addressing a gap in the literature by providing real-life examples of the power and influence of gatekeepers at all stages of the research process, the findings reveal: the extent to which gatekeepers of research with BAME participants are facilitative or obstructive during the research process; how they affect processes such as the recruitment of participants, access to community venues, the conduct of the research interview, and the dissemination of findings; and finally, the implications for future research with so called “hard-to-reach” groups.

Gender Differences in High-risk CAS through Radial Access

AIMS: Transradial (TR) carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been established as an acceptable alternative to carotid endarterectomy, especially in patients with a high risk for surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gender differences of radial access CAS in high-risk patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective analysis which included 54 consecutive patients in the period from December 2020 to January 2022. According to the Stenting and Angioplasty with Protection in Patients at High Risk for Endarterectomy study for high-risk CAS, patients with at least one anatomic or comorbid factor associated with increased surgical risk were included in the study. Subjects were divided into two groups according to sex. Follow-up assessments included neurological exams, 12-lead electrocardiogram, and duplex ultrasound (DUS). The primary endpoint was 30-day composite rate of stroke, death, and myocardial infarction. Secondary endpoints included procedure success, access site complications according to Early Discharge after TR Stenting of Coronary Arteries (EASY) score classification, target lesion revascularization, and in-stent restenosis evaluated with DUS. RESULTS: The study population was predominantly male 37 (61.1%) and females were 17 (38.9%). Mean age in the women group was 64.4 ± 7.43 years, and in men, it was 69.1 ± 8.01 years (p = 0.0223). From risk factors for coronary artery disease, hypertension and smoking were more frequent in the male group and hyperlipidemia and diabetes in the female group. Most of the male patients were symptomatic compared to the female group (p = 0.0151). Procedural success was obtained in all cases. Transient vasospasm induced by the distal protection device was present in one male patient. No 30-day major adverse events were recorded between the two groups. Minor access site bleeding complications according to EASY score (Easy type 1) were recorded in 4 patients (3 males vs. 1 female). There were no cases of hand ischemia after procedure or follow-up. None of the patients had in-stent restenosis >70% on DUS during 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Results from this study demonstrate no gender-related differences in radial access CAS for high-risk patients.

Estimated likelihood of parenthood among sexual minority individuals associates with interpersonal vulnerability and traumatic outlook

ABSTRACT Background Lesbian women and gay men (LG) tend to report lower levels of parenthood aspiration than their heterosexual counterparts. While several variables have been suggested to explain this phenomenon, no study has investigated the potential mediating role of interpersonal vulnerability and subjective traumatic outlook in the association between sexual orientation and the estimated likelihood of parenthood. Objective To investigate whether interpersonal vulnerability and subjective traumatic outlook mediate the association between sexual orientation and a lower estimated likelihood of parenthood. Methods A sample of 435 childfree, cisgender Israeli participants, aged 18–49 years (M = 27.82, SD = 4.47), were recruited through convenience sampling. 192 participants self-reported as LG (64 lesbian women and 128 gay men). Participants completed online questionnaires assessing their estimated likelihood of parenthood, interpersonal vulnerability, and subjective traumatic outlook. Mediation analyses were performed using the PROCESS macro. Results LG individuals reported a lower estimated likelihood of parenthood than their heterosexual counterparts. Interpersonal vulnerability and subjective traumatic outlook significantly mediated the association between sexual orientation and a lower estimated likelihood of parenthood. Conclusions Despite improvement in the socio-political climate relating to sexual minority rights and access to fertility technologies, LG individuals are still more likely to report a lower estimated likelihood of parenthood in comparison to heterosexual individuals. Moreover, this gap appears to be partially mediated by interpersonal vulnerability and subjective traumatic outlook. The results contribute to the growing body of international research exploring family formation among sexual minority individuals and are relevant for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers.

Judicial bypass for minors post-Dobbs.

State laws that require minors seeking abortion care to notify or obtain consent from a parent or other legal guardian are broadly referred to as parental involvement laws. Judicial bypass allows a minor to petition the court to bypass parental involvement. Even before the Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization decision overturned Roe v Wade on 24 June 2022, 36 states had at least one parental involvement law, making minor access to abortion care even more complex than adult access. Since the Dobbs decision, at least 15 states have completely banned abortion, adding further complexity, geographic barriers, and inequities to the pursuit of reproductive healthcare. In this narrative review and commentary, we explain parental involvement laws and judicial bypass from both a legal and medical perspective, exploring the evolving challenges created by this system in the year post-Dobbs.

Therapeutic efficacy and complications of radial versus femoral access in endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

The transradial approach (TRA) in neuroendovascular treatment is known to have a lower risk of complications than the transfemoral approach (TFA). However, little research has focused on assessments of efficacy and risk of complications in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and complications of TRA and TFA in coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) at our institution. Consecutive patients who underwent endovascular surgery via TRA or TFA at a single institution from 1 April 2019, to 28 February 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into TRA and TFA groups and assessed using propensity-adjusted analysis for outcomes including fluoroscopy time, volume embolization ratio (VER), and complications. A total of 163 consecutive UIAs were treated with coil embolization during the 35-months study period. The incidence of minor access site complications (ASCs) was significantly higher with TFA (20%, 25/126) than with TRA (2.7%, 1/37; p = 0.01). Propensity-adjusted analysis (matched for age, sex, aneurysm volume, embolization technique, and sheath size) revealed that TRA was associated with a lower risk of minor ASCs (odds ratio, 0.085; 95% confidence interval 0.0094-0.78; p = 0.029). However, TRA did not differ significantly from TFA with respect to fluoroscopy time, VER, major ASCs, and non-ASCs. Coil embolization for UIAs via TRA can reduce risk of minor ASCs without increasing the risk of non-ASCs compared with conventional TFA, and can achieve comparable results in term of efficacy and fluoroscopy time.

Healthcare Disparities

While it holds true that visible minorities often benefit less than average from healthcare systems in North America, there is yet to be consensus on the extent to which racism and other institutionalized issues play a role in leaving them at a serious disadvantage. A 2018 study by Dr. Elizabeth Howell reports that African American women face severe maternal morbidity at rates two-fold that of non-Hispanic white women, which in light of the Black Lives Matter movement, brings to question the integrity of the maternal care system and the professionals who work within it.
 Many health problems faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) have not only been a result of racial prejudice, but also disparities beyond the control of individual healthcare providers. In his anthology of essays, Disease, Life, and Man, Rudolf Virchow underscores the origins of disease as rather originating from structural flaws in health states dictated by the democratic polity. Although racism contributes greatly to healthcare inequality, significant disparities also stem from socioeconomic barriers that impede minority access to healthcare. The purpose of this article is to examine the institutional disparities influencing health accessibility for BIPOC women, and analyze its effects on the maternal health of racial minorities with an emphasis on Hamilton, Ontario.

Post-Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Vascular Complications: Femoral Artery Minimal Surgical Access Versus Percutaneous Approach.

Percutaneous transfemoral access approach for the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still associated with significant vascular complications. Hence, evaluation of best techniques for the reduction of vascular injury via the femoral access remains a key subject of research. We report on a single centre's experience with TAVI performed via the Femoral Artery Minimal Surgical Access (MSA) and percutaneous approach (PC). The primary endpoints were to evaluate the incidents of vascular complications by comparing the MSA versus the PC approach according to the VARC-2 criteria. The secondary endpoint included the impact of vascular complications on the in-hospital 30-day mortality and morbidity. Between June 2010 and September 2020, two hundred and thirty-seven consecutive patients who underwent TAVI for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis in our department were divided into two groups: patients treated using the femoral artery minimal surgical access (n = 173), and patients treated using the percutaneous approach (n = 64). Overall rate of access site complications according the VARC-2 were significantly more frequent in the percutaneous cohort (n = 12/64, 18.8% vs n = 2/173, 1.1%, p = 0.0012). The minor access complications including haematoma, bleeding, aneurysm, dissection, stenosis, seroma and infection were more frequent in the PC group (n = 8/64, 12.5% vs n = 2/173, 1.1%, p < 0.001). There were no major access site complications and hospital deaths in the MSA group, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Major access complications (n = 4, 6.3%, p < 0.001) and hospital death (n = 2, 3.1%, p < 0.001) were found in the PC cohort. The minimal surgical access approach provided direct and controlled access and significantly reduced the incidence of access site vascular complications in our TAVI patients. It also significantly reduced the in-hospital vascular-related mortality and morbidity. Though both approaches are complementary to each other, minimal surgical access approach would be a better choice for a calcified or tortuous femoral artery, and for a relatively small femoral artery diameter.

Improving participation of under-represented minorities in breast cancer therapeutic trials in a safety-net system.

90 Background: Racial and ethnic minorities remain under-represented in cancer clinical trials. Strategies to improve access and participation of diverse populations in clinical trials is therefore a key step to improve outcomes and eliminate disparities. Methods: Parkland Health (PH) is the safety-net system for Dallas County, Texas, and is affiliated with the UT Southwestern/Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center (SCCC). Trial operations at PH is mainly supported by a dedicated team of SCCC research coordinators. Interventions employed to increase minority access and accruals were focused on optimizing the portfolio, increasing provider awareness, and enhanced screening. A bilingual research patient navigator was also added to the research team to improve patient education and engagement. Transportation and childcare assistance are routinely provided for patients at PH. Accrual data for 2021, compared to 2017-2020, is presented here. Results: The majority (73%) of breast cancer patients at PH are uninsured and 88% belong to racial/ethnic minorities (57% Hispanics, 31% Blacks). Of the 15 therapeutic breast cancer trials open at SCCC in 2021, 12 (80%) were open at PH. The PH breast cancer trial portfolio included 4 cooperative group, 5 industry-sponsored (ISTs), and 3 investigator-initiated studies (IITs). Four trials were in metastatic setting and 8 were in curative intent setting. Four trials required a genomic biomarker. Forty-three patients were enrolled in therapeutic trials at PH in 2021. This represents 10.3% (43/418) of new cases during the same time period. Thirty-two were enrolled in cooperative group studies, 10 in IITs, and 1 in ISTs. The majority (93%) of the trial participants belonged to under-represented minorities. Number of trial participants in 2021 increased by 48% compared to the best year in the past 5 years (29 patients enrolled in 2018). Conclusions: Collaboration between academic institutions and safety-net systems presents a unique opportunity to provide clinical trial options to under-represented minorities. In this setting, interventions to improve trial portfolio, provider awareness, screening process, and patient education, as well as addition of a patient research navigator resulted in a significant increase in the number of minority participants in breast cancer trials at our safety-net hospital.

REBOA and the Open Abdomen

Background: Uncontrolled hemorrhage is a significant cause of death worldwide. Rapid bleeding control is a major life saving goal. Resuscitative endovascular balloon of the aorta (REBOA) is a minimally invasive technique that temporarily occludes the aorta and achieves hemorrhage control.Methods: We present a case series of patients that underwent emergent laparotomy due hemorrhagic shock and were stabilized intraoperatively using REBOA.Results: Between December 2018 and September 2021, intraoperative REBOA was inserted in six patients. Etiologies included two postpartum hemorrhages, two gastrointestinal bleeds and two trauma cases. REBOA was positioned and inflated in the descending aorta (n = 3) and infrarenal aorta (n = 3). In all cases, REBOA resulted in immediate stabilization of blood pressure, enabling definitive treatment. Partial inflation was performed in all cases after initial stabilization. There was one minor access related complication, treated successfully. There was no mortality at 6 months follow up.Conclusions: REBOA is another important resuscitative tool to be considered, also in the open abdomen. It allowsfor hemodynamic stabilization and enables definitive surgical repair of other major injuries.

Housing Discrimination and the Toxics Exposure Gap in the United States: Evidence from the Rental Market

Abstract Local pollution exposures have a disproportionate impact on minority households, but the root causes remain unclear. This study conducts a correspondence experiment on a major online housing platform to test whether housing discrimination constrains minority access to housing options in markets with significant sources of airborne chemical toxics. We find that renters with African American or Hispanic/Latinx names are 41% less likely than renters with white names to receive responses for properties in low-exposure locations. We find no evidence of discriminatory constraints in high-exposure locations, indicating that discrimination increases relative access to housing choices at elevated exposure risk.

The Kidney Transplant Equity Index

To develop a scalable metric which quantifies kidney transplant (KT) centers' performance providing equitable access to KT for minority patients, based on the individualized prelisting prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Racial and ethnic disparities for access to transplant in patients with ESRD are well described; however, variation in care among KT centers remains unknown. Furthermore, no mechanism exists that quantifies how well a KT center provides equitable access to KT for minority patients with ESRD. From 2013 to 2018, custom datasets from the United States Renal Data System and United Network for Organ Sharing were merged to calculate the Kidney Transplant Equity Index (KTEI), defined as the number of minority patients transplanted at a center relative to the prevalence of minority patients with ESRD in each center's health service area. Markers of socioeconomic status and recipient outcomes were compared between high and low KTEI centers. A total of 249 transplant centers performed 111,959 KTs relative to 475,914 nontransplanted patients with ESRD. High KTEI centers performed more KTs for Black (105.5 vs 24, P <0.001), Hispanic (55.5 vs 7, P <0.001), and American Indian (1.0 vs 0.0, P <0.001) patients than low KTEI centers. In addition, high KTEI centers transplanted more patients with higher unemployment (52 vs 44, P <0.001), worse social deprivation (53 vs 46, P <0.001), and lower educational attainment (52 vs 43, P <0.001). While providing increased access to transplant for minority and low socioeconomic status populations, high KTEI centers had improved patient survival (hazard ratio: 0.86, 95% confidence interval: 0.77-0.95). The KTEI is the first metric to quantify minority access to KT incorporating the prelisting ESRD prevalence individualized to transplant centers. KTEIs uncover significant national variation in transplant practices and identify highly equitable centers. This novel metric should be used to disseminate best practices for minority and low socioeconomic patients with ESRD.

Minor and Parental Access to Electronic Health Records: Differences Across Four Countries.

An increasing number of countries are implementing patient access to electronic health records (EHR). However, EHR access for parents, children and adolescents presents ethical challenges of data integrity, and regulations vary across providers, regions, and countries. In the present study, we compare EHR access policy for parents, children and adolescents in four countries. Documentation from three areas: upper age limit of minors for which parents have access; age at which minors obtain access; and possibilities of access restriction and extension was collected from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Estonia. Results showed that while all systems provided parents with automatic proxy access, age limits for its expiry differed. Furthermore, a lower minimum age than 18 for adolescent access was present in two of four countries. Differences between countries and potential implications for adolescents are discussed. We conclude that experiences of various approaches should be explored to promote the development of EHR regulations for parents, children and adolescents that increases safety, quality, and equality of care.

Past and Present Policy Efforts in Achieving Racial Equity in Kidney Transplantation.

Purpose of ReviewInequities in transplant access for underrepresented minorities and people of low socioeconomic status persist. The central principle to organ allocation, the “Final Rule” is grounded on “equitable allocation of cadaveric organs,” regardless of background, including race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status, and there have been ongoing previous and current efforts in achieving the goal of equity in access to transplantation.Recent FindingsSome of these disparities are caused by impeded access to the transplant waiting list (i.e., lack of referral to transplantation, socioeconomic constraints) and are somewhat beyond the purview of Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing (OPTN/UNOS) policy. This paper examines past and present OPTN/UNOS policy efforts that strive to make access to kidney transplantation more racially equitable.SummaryPast and current policy efforts have brought the transplant community closer to the goal of achieving equity in access to transplantation. More comprehensive data collection may aid in further understanding existing challenges.

Embolic Protection with the TriGuard 3 System in Nonagenarian Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Severe Aortic Stenosis.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) improves the survival and life quality of nonagenarian patients with aortic stenosis. Stroke remains one of the most worrisome complications following TAVR. Cerebral embolic protection devices (CEPDs) may reduce neurological complications after TAVR. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of CEPDs during TAVR in nonagenarian patients. Methods: Between January 2018 and October 2021, 869 patients underwent transfemoral TAVR (TF-TAVR) at our center. Of these, 51 (5.9%) patients were older than ninety years. In 33 consecutive nonagenarian patients, TF-TAVR was implanted without CEPDs using balloon-expandable valves (BEVs) and self-expandable valves (SEVs). Eighteen consecutive nonagenarians underwent TF-TAVR using a CEPD (CP group). Follow up period was in-hospital or 30 days after the procedure, respectively. Results: Minor access site complications occurred in two patients (3.9%) and were not CEPD-associated. Postinterventional delirium occurred in nine patients (17.6%). Periprocedural minor non-disabling stroke and delirium occurred in ten patients (19.6%). Periprocedural major fatal stroke occurred in two patients in the BEV group (3.9%). Two patients in the BEV group died due to postinterventional pneumonia with sepsis. The mortality rate was 7.8%. The results did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: Age alone is no longer a contraindication for TAVR. CEPD using the Triguard 3 system in nonagenarian TAVR patients was feasible and safe and did not increase access site complications.

Catheter ablation in adult congenital heart disease on uninterrupted oral anticoagulation: Is it safe? Data from a large single-center study.

Catheter ablation in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients is a critical treatment strategy for complex arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial tachycardia (AT). In addition to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly used in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety of catheter ablation in ACHD patients on uninterrupted oral anticoagulation with VKA or DOAC, examining thromboembolic, bleeding, and vascular access complications. Retrospective analysis of 234 ACHD patients with simple (n = 83), moderate (n = 66), or complex (n = 85) CHD (mean age 46 years) undergoing 368 ablation procedures on uninterrupted oral anticoagulation with VKA (45.4%) or DOAC (54.6%) was undertaken. Arrhythmias were AF in 97, right AT in 181, left AT in 65, or a combination of AF and AT in25. No thromboembolic complications occurred. Major complications occurred in 4 patients (1.1%; 1 VKA, 3 DOAC), including retroperitoneal hematoma in 2 and arteriovenous (AV) fistula requiring surgical treatment in 2. Minor bleeding or vascular access complications occurred in 46 cases (12.5%), including hematomas >5 cm in 26, AV fistulas (not requiring surgical intervention) in 13, and pseudoaneurysms in 7 (thrombin injection in 3/7). Overall, no significant difference was found between DOAC (14.9%) and VKA groups (12.0%; P = .411). Catheter ablation in ACHD patients on uninterrupted oral anticoagulation with VKA or DOAC is feasible and safe. No thromboembolic events occurred, and major bleeding or vascular access complications were rare. No significant differences regarding minor bleeding or vascular access complications between patients on DOAC or VKA were found.

Percutaneous proximal axillary artery versus femoral artery access for endovascular interventions

ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study is to describe and illustrate the technique of ultrasound-guided percutaneous proximal axillary artery (PAA) access, and secondarily to evaluate the versatility and safety of this approach in peripheral, visceral, and aortic endovascular interventions. MethodsThis is a single-center retrospective review of all peripheral, visceral, and aortic endovascular cases using percutaneous PAA access from February 2019 to March 2021 compared with a sample of an equivalent number of consecutive cases completed via percutaneous common femoral artery (CFA) access during the same time period. Access entry success, minor and major access site complications within 30 days, major adverse events within 30 days, demographics, and procedural details were analyzed using standard statistical analyses. ResultsA total of 115 accesses—59 PAA and 56 CFA—were reviewed during the study period. Group demographics were not significantly different. Access entry success was achieved in 58 (98.3%) and 56 (100%) of PAA and CFA accesses, respectively, with no statistically significant difference. There were no significant differences in minor access-site complications (13.6% vs 5.4%; P = .21) major access site complications (3.4% vs 7.1%; P = .43), or major adverse events (6.8% vs 5.4%). between the PAA and CFA groups. With respect to versatility, PAA cases had a significantly greater mean number of vessels intervened on per procedure compared with CFA access (2.59 ± 1.31 vs 1.95 ± 0.98; P < .01). A wide range of target vessels were intervened on in both groups. PAA cases had significantly more bilateral lower leg interventions (28.8% vs 12.5%; P = .04). PAA access had a significantly longer mean procedure time (103.2 minutes vs 58.63 minutes; P < .001) and fluoroscopy time (18.21 minutes vs 12.87 minutes; P = .02). ConclusionsThe PAA is a feasible, versatile, and safe percutaneous access option for endovascular intervention. The in-line trajectory from this site facilitates visceral, renal, aortic, and bilateral lower extremity interventions with ease. Outcomes, complications, and major adverse events are similar to those of conventional CFA access in the short term.

Experiences of minority stress and access to primary care services among sexual minority adults in the United States

Primary care services are cornerstones for US health care, assuring preventive screening, maintenance of therapeutics, and access to specialty care. Sexual minority (SM) adults are less likely to have access to primary care services than their heterosexual counterparts. Additionally, access to health services among SM persons can vary by age. One plausible explanation for these disparities are experiences of minority stress. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the association between experiences of minority stress and access to primary care services among SM people in the United States across multiple age cohorts. A series of logistic regressions examined associations among multiple experiences of minority stress and access to primary care services. Analyses, stratified by age cohort, examined associations between experiences of minority stress and access to primary care services. Felt stigma, on average, was negatively associated with having a primary care provider among the full sample. The stratified analysis revealed that higher rates of felt stigma were negatively associated with having a primary care provider only among younger SM adults. This study offers novel information suggesting that unique experiences of minority stress are linked with barriers in access to primary care services among SM people.

Home price growth and minority access to mortgage credit

This paper examines the relationship between home price growth and mortgage lending standards for minority applicants during the 2001–2006 (pre-crisis) and 2012–2017 (post-crisis) periods. Using the housing supply elasticity measure by Saiz (2010) to instrument for home price growth, I find that minorities in metropolitan areas with home price appreciation experienced looser mortgage lending standards during the pre-crisis period but tighter lending standards during the post-crisis years. Moreover, there was a greater increase in minority loan acceptance rate relative to non-minority loan acceptance rate in these areas during the pre-crisis period. The results suggest that home price appreciation improved minority access to mortgage credit through lower lending standards during the pre-crisis years.

Abstract P3-14-19: Racial and ethnic groups have different clustering of common cancer genes

Abstract Background: Racial/ethnic disparities in minority access to genetic testing have perpetuated a higher likelihood of identifying an uncertain result in minority populations. Methods :Patient data was obtained from the Informed Genetics Annotated Patient Registry (iGAP), an IRB-approved multi-center longitudinal, observational study designed to capture genetic and genomic test results and their utilization and impact on treatment practices and outcomes. Patients self-declare race/ethnicity. Genetic panels contained between 1 and 148 genes and variant classification was determined by the performing genetic testing companies and reported as negative, variant of uncertain significance (VUS),likely-pathogenic, or pathogenic. Descriptive statistics were used to assess and compare data of these populations and germline genetic testing results indicating variant of uncertain significance. Results: The three racial/ethnic groups have similar percentages of BRCA1 and BRCA2pathogenic variants. However, Caucasians have considerably more pathogenic variants in lesser penetrant genes [see Table 1]. Conclusions: Racial/ethnic groups vary by volume of lesser penetrant genes with Caucasians having the highest numbers. Correlation by SNP heritage assignment may lead to a better understanding of these differences. Gene NameAshkenazi PV% Askenazi PVs% of PV subjects AshkenaziAshkenazi VUS%VUS Ashkenazi VUS% of subjects VUS AshkenaziAsian% Asian PVs% of PV subjects AsianAsian VUS%VUS Asian mutations% of subjects VUS AsianBlack/African% Black/African PVs% of PV subjectsBlack/AfricanBlack/African VUS%VUS Black/Africanmutations% of subjects VUSBlack/AfricanCaucasian% Caucasian PVs% of PV subjects CaucasianCaucasian VUS% Caucasian Mutations% of subjects VUS CaucasianHispanic% Hispanic PVs% of PV subjects HispanicHispanic VUS% Hispanic Mutations% of subjects VUS HispanicOther% Other PVs% of PV subjects OtherOther RE VUS% Other RE Mutations% of subjects VUS Other#PV Total% Total PV#VUS TotalBRCA20.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%125.00%25.00%24.17%4.26%531.25%31.25%34.62%4.76%3414.47%16.50%122.42%2.44%815.69%18.18%45.26%5.48%211.11%12.50%36.67%6.82%5014.97%24BRCA1327.27%30.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%36.25%6.38%318.75%18.75%23.08%3.17%177.23%8.25%91.81%1.83%1631.37%36.36%11.32%1.37%211.11%12.50%24.44%4.55%4112.28%17CHEK20.00%0.00%112.50%12.50%0.00%0.00%12.08%2.13%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%2711.49%13.11%51.01%1.02%11.96%2.27%0.00%0.00%15.56%6.25%12.22%2.27%298.68%8ATM19.09%10.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%510.42%10.64%0.00%0.00%812.31%12.70%218.94%10.19%346.85%6.92%35.88%6.82%911.84%12.33%0.00%0.00%36.67%6.82%257.49%59CHEK2/1100delC19.09%10.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%12.08%2.13%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%104.26%4.85%30.60%0.61%23.92%4.55%22.63%2.74%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%133.89%6MUTYH0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%114.68%5.34%51.01%1.02%11.96%2.27%22.63%2.74%15.56%6.25%12.22%2.27%133.89%8PALB20.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%12.08%2.13%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%72.98%3.40%71.41%1.43%35.88%6.82%11.32%1.37%15.56%6.25%12.22%2.27%113.29%10BLM19.09%10.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%48.33%8.51%0.00%0.00%34.62%4.76%93.83%4.37%112.22%2.24%0.00%0.00%22.63%2.74%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%102.99%20MITF0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%83.40%3.88%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%82.40%0NBN0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%11.54%1.59%83.40%3.88%40.81%0.81%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%82.40%5FH327.27%30.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%41.70%1.94%40.81%0.81%0.00%0.00%11.32%1.37%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%72.10%5MSH619.09%10.00%112.50%12.50%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%4.62%4.76%31.28%1.46%132.62%2.65%23.92%4.55%22.63%2.74%15.56%6.25%0.00%0.00%72.10%19MUTYH-Biallelic/Compound Heterozygous0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%52.13%2.43%10.20%0.20%11.96%2.27%0.00%0.00%15.56%6.25%0.00%0.00%72.10%1MUTYH-Monoallelic0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%16.25%6.25%0.00%0.00%52.13%2.43%0.00%0.00%11.96%2.27%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%72.10%0PMS219.09%10.00%112.50%12.50%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%16.25%6.25%11.54%1.59%52.13%2.43%51.01%1.02%0.00%0.00%33.95%4.11%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%72.10%10Other00.00%0.00%562.50%62.50%375.00%75.00%3164.58%65.96%531.25%31.25%4467.69%69.84%6125.96%29.61%38377.22%78.00%1325.49%29.55%4964.47%67.12%950.00%56.25%3475.56%77.27%9127.25%546Grand Total11PV Ash108VUS Ash84PV Asi448Asi VUS4716PV Bla1665VUS Bla63235PV Cau206496VUS Cau49151PV His4476VUS His7318PV Oth1645VUS Oth44334334 PV Mutations Found738 Citation Format: Peter Beitsch, Chloe Wernecke, Kelly Bontempo, Brenna Bentley, Maureen Graham, Pat Whitworth, Rakesh Patel. Racial and ethnic groups have different clustering of common cancer genes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-14-19.

Abstract P3-14-20: Racial and ethnic groups have different clustering of variants of uncertain significance

Abstract Background:Racial/ethnic disparities in minority access to genetic testing have perpetuated a higher likelihood of identifying an uncertain result in minority populations. Methods:Patient data was obtained from the Informed Genetics Annotated Patient Registry (iGAP), an IRB-approved multi-center longitudinal, observational study designed to capture genetic and genomic test results and their utilization and impact on treatment practices and outcomes. Patients self-declare race/ethnicity. Genetic panels contained between 1 and 148 genes and variant classification was determined by the performing genetic testing companies and reported as negative, variant of uncertain significance (VUS), likely-pathogenic, or pathogenic. Descriptive statistics were used to assess and compare data of these populations and germline genetic testing results indicating variant of uncertain significance. Results:Hispanic and African American patients had approximately twice as many uncertain results (VUS) compared to Caucasian patients for all cancer genes examined. Conclusions:Variant adjudication has disproportionately sorted out more uncertain results in Caucasians than Hispanics and African Americans. This leads to greater uncertainty in post-test counseling for these groups and should be a focus for lab testing companies going forward. Citation Format: Peter Beitsch, Chloe Wernecke, Kelly Bontempo, Brenna Bentley, Maureen Graham, Pat Whitworth, Rakesh Patel. Racial and ethnic groups have different clustering of variants of uncertain significance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-14-20.