The survivin polymorphisms have been shown to confer genetic susceptibility to various tumors, but the results are inconsistent. In order to accomplish a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed.

To evaluate evidence on the association between CYP2D6 genotype and tamoxifen response through.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the key initiators and regulators of angiogenesis and it plays a vital role in the onset and development of malignancy. The association between VEGF gene polymorphisms and lung cancer risk has been extensively studied in recent years, but currently available results remain controversial or ambiguous. The aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate the associations between four common VEGF polymorphisms (i.e., -2578C>A, -460C>T, +936C>T and +405C>G) and lung cancer risk.

The associations between the Arg280His polymorphism in X-ray repair cross-complementing gene 1 (XRCC1 gene) and hematological malignancies have been extensively investigated. However, the results were inconsistent. The objective of the current study was to investigate the associations between the Arg280His polymorphism in XRCC1 gene and the risk of hematological malignancies by meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, and Weipu databases, covering all studies until 07 Aug 2013. Statistical analysis was performed by using the Revman4.2 software and the Stata10.0 software. A total of 2,650 cases and 3,856 controls in 12 case-control studies concerning the Arg280His polymorphism were included. The results suggested that the Arg280His polymorphism might not be associated with risk of hematological malignancies (OR = 1.08, 95%CI = 0.86-1.35, P = 0.50). In the subgroup analyses by cancer types and ethnicity, no significant associations were found among different cancers or different ethnicities. The current meta-analysis indicated that the Arg280His polymorphism in the XRCC1 gene might not be a risk factor for hematological malignancies. In future, more large-scale case-control studies are needed to validate these results.

Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, encoded by BIRC5, is involved in the regulation of apoptosis and in cell cycle control. Emerging evidences indicate that polymorphism in BIRC5 promoter (rs9904341) is associated with cancer risk, but the results of individually published studies are inconclusive. Thus, an updated meta-analysis was performed. PubMed was searched for all eligible studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association strength. Stratified analysis was performed by cancer type, source of control, genotyping method, and ethnicity. A number of 26 studies, including 6,041 cases and 7,567 controls were analyzed in this meta-analysis. Overall, significantly increased cancer risk was associated with survivin rs9904341 polymorphism when all studies were pooled (CC vs. GG: OR = 1.36, 95 % CI = 1.09-1.69; P heterogeneity < 0.001; CC vs GC/GG: OR = 1.32, 95 % CI = 1.11-1.57; P heterogeneity < 0.001). Stratified analysis by cancer type revealed that the survivin rs9904341 polymorphism may increase the risk of colorectal cancer, renal cell cancer, gastric cancer, and bladder cancer. Further subgroup analysis by ethnicity indicated that there was a statistically increased cancer risk in Asians but not Caucasians. In this updated meta-analysis of 26 studies, we conclude that the survivin rs9904341 polymorphism might contribute to risk of various cancers, especially in Asian populations.

Polymorphisms of xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) are thought to have significant effects on prostate cancer (PCa) risk. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of XPC gene polymorphisms on PCa risk by using a meta-analysis.

An association between N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) slow acetylation and bladder cancer has been consistently observed in epidemiologic studies. However, evidence has been mainly derived from case-control studies and was sparse from cohort studies. We evaluated the association between NAT2 slow acetylation and bladder cancer in a case-control study nested in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase is one of the few proteins to directly remove alkylating agents in the human DNA direct reversal repair pathway. A large number of case-control studies have been conducted to explore the association between MGMT Leu84Phe polymorphism and cancer risk. However, the results were not consistent.

Accurate prediction of the biochemical recurrence (BCR) is critical for patients after intended curative therapy like radical prostatectomy (RP) or definitive radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Glutathione-S-transferases polymorphisms as well as hypermethylation of GSTP1 and functional genes in carcinogenesis, including tumor suppression gene (APC), hormone receptor that regulates cell growth and differentiation gene (RARbeta) were reported to be associated with BCR. Nevertheless, the reported results are inconsistent. To evaluate the relationship between glutathione-S-transferases polymorphisms and hypermethylation of these genes and the risk of prostate cancer BCR, we carried out a meta-analysis of the published studies.

Published studies investigating the association between genetic polymorphism -884C/T (rs763110) of the FAS ligand (FASL) promoter and cancer risk reported inconclusive results. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, we performed an updated meta-analysis of all eligible studies.

DNA repair gene X-ray repair cross complementing group 1 (XRCC1) plays an important role in the maintenance of the genomic integrity and protection of cells from DNA damage. Sequence variation in XRCC1 gene may alter head and neck cancer (HNC) susceptibility. However, these results are inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship between XRCC1 polymorphism and HNC risk, we undertook a meta-analysis involving 16,344 subjects.

O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is one of most important DNA repair enzyme against common carcinogens such as alkylate and tobacco. Aberrant promoter methylation of the gene is frequently observed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the importance of epigenetic inactivation of the gene in NSCLC published in the literature showed inconsistence. We quantified the association between MGMT promoter methylation and NSCLC using a meta-analysis method.

An A/G polymorphism (rs3746444) has been identified in the miR-499 gene that can change the conformation of the secondary gene structure and thereby directly affect binding to target mRNAs and the microRNA (miRNA) maturation process, thus altering protein expression and potentially contributing to cancer susceptibility. Numerous studies investigating the association between the rs3746444 polymorphism and cancers have been published; however, results are inconsistent and inconclusive. To clarify the relationship between the miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphism and cancer, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis on 14 case-control studies comprising 7189 cases and 8577 controls. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by using dominant, recessive, and co-dominant genetic models. A publication bias test and subgroup analysis were also performed. Results showed that the G allele was associated with a significantly increased cancer risk compared to the A allele (OR = 1.09; 95%CI = 1.00-1.18). Similarly, moderately elevated risks were also observed in overall analyses in the dominant model (OR = 1.13; 95%CI = 1.01-1.26). Moreover, significantly increased risks were observed in Asian populations (G allele vs A allele: OR = 1.18; 95%CI = 1.01-1.37; GG vs AA: OR = 1.36; 95%CI = 1.07-1.73; dominant model: OR = 1.19; 95%CI = 1.00-1.41; recessive model: OR = 1.31; 95%CI = 1.03-1.66), but not in European populations. These findings indicate that the miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphism is associated with an increased cancer risk.

We examined the association of the interleukin-28B (IL-28B) gene rs12979860 T/C polymorphism with development of hepatitis virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis (LC). Two investigators independently searched the PubMed, Elsevier, EMBASE, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure data bases. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for rs12979860 and HCC/LC were calculated in a fixed-effect model (the Mantel-Haenszel method) and a random-effect model (the DerSimonian and Laird method) when appropriate. This meta-analysis included 7 eligible studies, with 1152 HCC and/or LC cases and 1326 controls. Overall, the rs12979860 T/C polymorphism was significantly associated with risk of hepatitis virus-related HCC and LC development (TT vs CC+CT, pooled OR = 1.597, 95%CI = 1.254-2.036). When they were grouped by type of hepatitis virus, similar results were found for hepatitis C virus-related groups (TT vs CC+CT, pooled OR = 1.732, 95%CI = 1.343-2.235, P value < 0.0001). In the overall analysis, the IL-28B rs12979860 T/C polymorphism was identified as a genetic risk factor for hepatitis virus-related HCC and LC development. A significant increase in the frequency of the T/T genotype was detected from chronic hepatitis to HCC and LC.

The human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (hOGG1) gene plays an important role in the repair of oxidatively damaged DNA base lesions and its functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may alter DNA repair capacity and thus contributes to cancer susceptibility. Numerous studies have investigated the association between hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism and lung cancer susceptibility; however, the conclusions are still inconclusive. We searched eligible publications from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CBM and performed a meta-analysis to assess the associations between hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism and lung cancer risk. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate risk associations, and false-positive report probability (FPRP) analysis was also carried out to evaluate significant findings. A total of 31 investigations with 10,220 cases and 12,284 controls were identified. When all studies were pooled, a significantly increased overall lung cancer risk was found (Cys/Cys vs. Ser/Ser: OR = 1.24, 95 % CI = 1.05-1.47, P = 0.013; recessive model: OR = 1.22, 95 % CI = 1.05-1.41, P = 0.008, and Cys vs. Ser: OR = 1.11, 95 % CI = 1.02-1.21, P = 0.022), and further stratification analysis showed that the association was stronger in Asians, never smokers, and more-cigarette takers. These results were confirmed by FPRP analysis. Despite some limitations, this meta-analysis provides solid evidence that hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism may contribute to lung cancer risk, particularly for Asian populations, never smokers, and more-cigarette takers. Nevertheless, these findings warrant further validation in single large investigations.

The relationship of bladder cancer with the presence of X-ray cross-complementing group 3(XRCC3) genetic polymorphism Thr241Met has been reported with inconsistent results. The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the association between this polymorphism and bladder cancer susceptibility. A comprehensive research was conducted through PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to Aug. 20, 2013. Pooled odds ratio and 95 % confidence interval were calculated using a fixed or random effects model. Statistical analysis was performed with Stata 12.0 software. Of the 18 case-control studies selected for this meta-analysis, a total of 5,667 bladder cancer cases and 7,609 controls were included. The combined results based on all studies suggested that XRCC3 Thr241Met was associated with bladder cancer risk under homozygote and recessive models. When stratifying for ethnicity, significant association was found in Caucasians under homozygote and recessive models. This meta-analysis suggests that XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism is a risk factor for bladder cancer risk. However, further well-designed studies are required to confirm our findings.

Identification of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with development of advanced colorectal adenomas.

MicroRNAs have been demonstrated to play important roles in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Several studies utilizing microRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC) have been reported. The aim of this meta-analysis was to comprehensively and quantitatively summarize the diagnostic value of microRNAs for detecting colorectal cancer.

The association between excision repair cross complementing group 2 (ERCC2) Asp312Asn polymorphism and lung cancer has been reported by many articles recently, but the results were controversial and inconclusive. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between them. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association. A total of 22 full studies with 20,101 subjects (8719 cases and 11,382 controls) were included in our research. The meta-analysis result showed that no significant association was found between ERCC2 Asp312Asn polymorphism and lung cancer in overall analysis (AA vs. GG, OR=1.023, 95% CI=0.824-1.270, p=0.838; AG vs. GG, OR=1.003, 95% CI=0.936-1.074, p=0.942; AA+AG vs. GG, OR=1.013, 95% CI=0.949-1.082, p=0.697; AA vs. AG+GG, OR=1.033, 95% CI=0.841-1.270, p=0.755). In subset analyses of stratified ethnicity, significantly increased risk was found among Asians (AA vs. GG, OR=3.212, 95% CI=1.518-6.795, p=0.002; AA vs. AG+GG, OR=3.174, 95% CI=1.500-6.712, p=0.003), whereas the association was not found among Caucasians under any genetic models. When analyses were conducted based on the study design, it indicated that the risk of lung cancer might be significantly increased in a hospital-based study (AA vs. GG, OR=1.323, 95% CI=1.096-1.596, p=0.004; AA+AG vs. GG, OR=1.109, 95% CI=1.000-1.229, p=0.050; AA vs. AG+GG, OR=1.285, 95% CI=1.076-1.535, p=0.006). In addition, a significantly increased risk for nonsmokers was detected under the dominant model (AA+AG vs. GG, OR=1.460, 95% CI=1.095-1.948, p=0.010). In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggested ERCC2 Asp312Asn polymorphism may increase the risk of lung cancer among Asians, whereas not among Caucasians.

The polymorphism of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene is demonstrated to affect the activity of its encoding protein and the subsequent downstream effects mediated by vitamin D. Mutations in VDR gene FokI have been suggested in the development of various cancers. Whether the polymorphism of the VDR gene FokI confers risk to ovarian cancer still remains controversial across the published studies in different ethnicity. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the role of VDR gene FokI variant in the susceptibility to ovarian cancer. Six publications with 14 individual case-control studies involving a total of 10,964 subjects were finally included into our study after a comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Wanfang databases. The strength of the association between the VDR gene FokI polymorphism and ovarian cancer risk was estimated under the allelic (T vs. C), homozygous (TT vs. CC), additive (CT vs. CC), recessive (TT vs. CC + CT), and dominant (CT + TT vs. CC) gene models. The overall odds ratios (ORs) for the contrast models of T vs. C, TT vs. CC, CT vs. CC, and CT + TT vs. CC indicated that the VDR gene FokI variant was related to an increased risk of ovarian cancer (OR(T vs. C) = 1.09, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.15, P(OR) = 0.004; OR(TT vs. CC) = 1.17, 95 % CI 1.04-1.32, P(OR) = 0.011; OR(CT vs. CC) = 1.10, 95 % CI 1.01-1.20, P(OR) = 0.027; OR(CT + TT vs. CC) = 1.12, 95 % CI 1.03-1.21, P(OR) = 0.007). The stratified analysis among the Caucasians also identified a significant association between the VDR gene FokI polymorphism and the susceptibility to ovarian cancer. The present meta-analysis with large available published data has revealed that the VDR gene FokI polymorphism confers susceptibility to ovarian cancer, particularly among the Caucasian population.