Cancer Trials and the Duffy Null Phenotype: A Critical Oversight in Patient Inclusion

Wednesday, 11 September 2024, 10:50

Cancer trials are improperly excluding and underdosing specific patient populations, particularly those with the Duffy null phenotype. This study highlights the disproportionate impact on patients of African and Middle Eastern descent whose red blood cells lack the Duffy antigen. The findings draw attention to the urgent need for more inclusive clinical trial practices.
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Cancer Trials and the Duffy Null Phenotype: A Critical Oversight in Patient Inclusion

Cancer Trials and Patient Inclusion

Cancer trials are crucial for advancing treatment options, yet they often exclude significant populations. A recent study reveals that patients with the Duffy null phenotype, primarily from African and Middle Eastern descent, face exclusion and underdosing in these trials.

The Duffy Null Phenotype

This phenotype lacks a surface protein known as the Duffy antigen, used by the malaria parasite P. vivax. As a result, individuals with this blood type are often underrepresented in clinical research, leading to potentially harmful treatment gaps.

Implications of Exclusion

  • Wider Impacts: The exclusion not only affects individual patient outcomes but also skews data that inform treatment approaches.
  • Call for Change: Researchers advocate for more inclusive practices in cancer trials to ensure equitable access to new therapies.

For a deeper look into the findings and their implications on health equity, visit the source.


This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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