Meta-analysis suggests association of L-myc EcoRI polymorphism with cancer prognosis.
The L-myc EcoRI polymorphism is a noncoding variation in the second intron of the L-myc gene, resulting in S and L alleles. Individuals carrying the S allele tend to have poor prognosis and increased risk of several tumor types, although controversial results have been reported. A meta-analysis of 36 studies on L-myc EcoRI genotyping, including 3563 patients with different types of cancer and 2953 controls, was performed. In lung cancer patients the S/S genotype was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis [odds ratio (OR), 2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.8-4.3], distant metastasis (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 2.4-9.2), and stage (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.4). No association was observed between the S/S genotype and cancer (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.8-1.4). In patients with other cancers, the S/S genotype was significantly associated with tumor recurrence (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.4-6.0), whereas no significant association was seen for the other prognostic parameters. When all types of cancer were examined together, the S/S genotype was associated with lymph node metastasis (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.6-3.3), distant metastasis (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.8-4.6), clinical stage (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.9), and cancer risk (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.07-1.45). The meta-analysis suggests that the L-myc EcoRI polymorphism is a marker of tumor prognosis in lung cancer and possibly in other types of cancer.
Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, and Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology Unit, Ospedale Policlinico IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
Monica
M
Spinola
Paola
P
Pedotti
Tommaso A
TA
Dragani
Emanuela
E
Taioli
D000483:Alleles; D001665:Binding Sites / Q000235:genetics; D015246:Deoxyribonuclease EcoRI / Q000378:metabolism*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007438:Introns / Q000235:genetics; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011379:Prognosis; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / Q000235:genetics*
D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc; D015246:Deoxyribonuclease EcoRI