Published in:
01-01-2011 | Epidemiology
RAD51 135G>C polymorphism and breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis
Published in: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment | Issue 2/2011
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Mutations in RAD51 gene are believed to be associated with elevated breast cancer risk. However, several case–control studies focusing on the association between RAD51 135G>C and breast cancer risk failed to achieve consensus. To clarify the effect of RAD51 135G>C polymorphism on breast cancer, a meta-analysis was performed. By searching PubMed and EMBASE, a total of 14 case–control studies, containing 12,183 cases and 10,183 controls, were included. The strength of association between RAD51 135G>C polymorphism and breast cancer risk was assessed by odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). When all the eligible studies were pooled into the meta-analysis, an elevated cancer risk was revealed in additive model (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.01–1.78; P = 0.044) and recessive model (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.03–1.82; P = 0.032). In subgroup analyses by ethnicity, BRCA1/2 mutation status, and family history, a significant association was found only among BRCA2 mutation carriers (additive model: OR, 4.92; 95% CI, 1.11–21.83; P = 0.036; recessive model: OR, 4.88; 95% CI, 1.10–21.67; P = 0.037). Sensitivity analysis did not perturb the results. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that RAD51 variant 135C homozygote is associated with elevated breast cancer risk among BRCA2 mutation carriers.