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Published on: February 2, 2024
Polymorphisms and pancreatic cancer risk: a meta-analysis
Takero Mazaki1, Hideki Masuda, Tadatoshi Takayama
1Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. mazaki.takero@nihon-u.ac.jp
Summary
Common gene variants like MTHFR T677T and ALDH 2*1*2 are linked to pancreatic cancer (PC) risk. These low-penetrance alleles, though modest in individual risk, may significantly impact PC incidence due to their prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Growing evidence implicates common, low-penetrance gene variants in pancreatic cancer (PC) development.
- Understanding these genetic predispositions is crucial for assessing population-level cancer risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the association between common gene polymorphisms and PC risk.
- To identify specific low-penetrance alleles contributing to pancreatic cancer carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across multiple databases (Medline, Web of Science, ProQuest, Google Scholar) and conference proceedings.
- Inclusion of 23 studies examining the risk effects of 13 gene polymorphisms on PC.
- Meta-analysis and sensitivity analyses, including stratification by ethnic background and smoking habits.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between ALDH 2*1*2 polymorphisms and PC (OR=1.37, P=0.01), based on two studies.
- MTHFR T677T polymorphism showed a significant association with PC in Caucasians (OR=1.66, P=0.02).
- Individuals with MTHFR C677T or TT polymorphisms and smoking had increased PC risk (OR=2.52, P=0.04).
Conclusions:
- MTHFR T677T and ALDH 2*1*2 polymorphisms are potential low-penetrance susceptibility alleles for pancreatic cancer.
- Despite modest individual genetic risks, their high population frequency suggests a considerable impact on PC incidence.
- Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm findings and explore gene-gene and gene-environment interactions.
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