Adelaide, Mar 16: A groundbreaking international study led by Adelaide University reveals that female cancer patients are more likely to survive than their male counterparts but are at greater risk of severe treatment-related side effects. Published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI), the research analyzed data from over 20,000 patients across 39 clinical trials supporting US FDA approvals between 2011 and 2021, covering 12 advanced solid tumour types including lung, colorectal, melanoma, and breast cancers.
The study found that women had a 21% lower risk of death compared to men, yet faced a 12% higher risk of severe toxicities. These sex-based differences were consistent across treatment modalities including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, highlighting underlying biological mechanisms rather than drug-specific effects.
Lead author Dr. Natansh Modi emphasized the significance of the findings: “Sex is a fundamental biological factor influencing immune function, drug metabolism, body composition, and tumour biology. Our study shows that women demonstrate a survival advantage, but at the cost of increased severe toxicity.”
The research underscores the urgent need to consider biological sex as a core prognostic factor in oncology. By routinely reporting and acting on sex-specific evidence in clinical trials and cancer care, treatment strategies can be better tailored to improve outcomes for both male and female patients.
Dr. Modi concluded, “If women are living longer but experiencing more severe side effects, we need to acknowledge that and respond accordingly. At the same time, we must investigate why male patients show poorer survival to ensure equitable and effective cancer care for all.”
The team calls for further research into the biological mechanisms driving these differences, including drug exposure, immune regulation, hormonal influences, and body composition, to guide personalized and safer cancer treatment strategies.
