C. Bozeman et al., Clinical and biopsy specimen features in black and white men with clinically localized prostate cancer, SOUTH MED J, 93(4), 2000, pp. 400-402
Background. The incidence of prostate cancer in black men is estimated to b
e 30% to 50% higher than among age-matched white men, and black men have a
twofold higher mortality rate. To determine whether racial differences exis
t in men with similarly staged disease, we compared clinical and pathologic
features in black and white men with clinical stage T1-T2 prostate cancer.
Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the records of all men who had prostat
e biopsy at our facilities. Men were included in this study if they were of
black or white race, if the clinical stage of their prostate cancer was T1
-T2, and if detailed information regarding their prostate biopsy was availa
ble.
Results. Black men were found to have significantly higher serum prostate-s
pecific antigen (PSA) levels, but no other differences were noted in the ot
her clinical or pathologic features studied.
Conclusion. While racial differences in the incidence and mortality of pros
tate cancer are well known, differences in the clinical and pathologic feat
ures between black and white men with similarly staged disease have been po
orly studied. Our results suggest that serum PSA levels are higher in black
men, but no other differences were noted. This suggests that early detecti
on programs for prostate cancer in black men can potentially decrease prost
ate cancer mortality.