Investigating racial differences in mortality and survival outcomes following radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundNotable variations in cancer rates, survival rates, mortality exist among certain populations in the US. We aim to examine how prostate cancer prognosis differs among black and white men from various ethnic backgrounds undergoing radical prostatectomy. MethodsWe performed a comprehensive search across MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases from inception to March 2023 for observational studies including black and white men undergoing radical prostatectomy. Outcomes of interest included either overall survival, prostate cancer survival, biochemical recurrence, or all-cause mortality. Studies were pooled using hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4.1. ResultsIn patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, the risk of all-cause mortality was significantly greater in blacks in comparison to whites ([HR] 1.16, 95% CI 1.12-1.21; I2 = 51%; p < 0.00001). Pooled analysis shows higher rate of prostate-specific mortality in blacks treated compared to whites ([HR]: 1.08, 95% CI 0.86-1.37; I2 = 81%; p = 0.50). The risk of biochemical recurrence was significantly higher in blacks undergoing radical prostatectomy than in whites (HR: 1.27; 95% CI 1.11-1.45; I2 = 58%; p = 0.0007). On regional subgroup analysis, the mid-west and multi-institutional centers revealed a higher rate of biochemical recurrence in blacks than in whites. No significant difference was noted between blacks and whites for overall survival. ConclusionsOur research demonstrated elevated rates of all-cause mortality, prostate-specific mortality, and biochemical recurrence, with no significant differences in overall survival between blacks and whites. Further research is warranted to assess ethnic and geographic differences at a large scale.