Association of p21 3' UTR gene polymorphism with cancer risk: Evidence from a meta-analysis

Numerous studies have investigated the risk of cancer associated with the polymorphism of p21 3' UTR (rs1059234 C > T), but results have been inconsistent. We performed this meta-analysis to drive a more precise estimation of the association between this polymorphism and risk of cancer. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all case-control studies of the rs1059234 C > T polymorphism of p21 3' UTR and cancer susceptibility. A total of eleven eligible studies, including 3,099 cases and 4,354 controls, relating to the rs1059234 polymorphism of p21 3' UTR to the risk of cancer were identified. Multivariate and univariate methods revealed no association between this polymorphism and cancer risk. However, subgroup analysis by cancer type suggested that rs1059234 C > T polymorphism was associated with increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) (dominant model CT + TT vs. CC: OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.17-1.94). No significant association was found in other subgroup analyses. This meta-analysis suggested that rs1059234 polymorphism of p21 3' UTR may be associated with increased SCCHN risk. And larger scale primary studies are required to further evaluate the interaction of p21 3' UTR rs1059234 polymorphism and cancer risk in specific populations.