VEGF Gene Polymorphisms and Breast Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Eric J Jacobs, Heather Spencer Feigelson, Elizabeth B Bain, Kerri A Brady, Carmen Rodriguez, Victoria L Stevens, Alpa V Patel, Michael J Thun, Eugenia E Calle
Primary Institution: American Cancer Society
Hypothesis
Are polymorphisms in the VEGF gene associated with breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women?
Conclusion
The study found limited support for the association of certain VEGF alleles with increased risk for invasive breast cancer but not for in situ breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included 501 breast cancer cases and 504 matched controls.
- Associations were found between -2578C and -1154G alleles and increased risk for invasive breast cancer.
- The +936C allele was associated with reduced risk for in situ breast cancer.
- None of the polymorphisms were significantly associated with all breast cancers combined.
Takeaway
This study looked at how certain gene changes might affect the risk of getting breast cancer in older women. It found that some changes might increase the risk of a more serious type of breast cancer.
Methodology
The study analyzed blood samples from 501 postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer and 504 matched cancer-free controls, examining four specific VEGF gene polymorphisms.
Potential Biases
Survival bias may have affected the results since only women who survived until blood collection were included.
Limitations
The study is of moderate size and may not fully capture the effects of VEGF polymorphisms on breast cancer risk due to potential survival bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants were predominantly white, middle-aged or elderly, with a median age of 68 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.049 for -2578C/A and 0.007 for -1154G/A in invasive cancer risk.
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.00–2.14 for -2578 CC versus AA; 95% CI 1.02–2.64 for -1154 GG versus AA.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website