Glutathione S-transferases (GSTT1 and GSTM1) gene deletions in Tunisians: susceptibility and prognostic implications in breast carcinoma
2003

Gene Deletions and Breast Cancer in Tunisians

Sample size: 618 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Khedhaier A, Remadi S, Corbex M, Ahmed S B, Bouaouina N, Mestiri S, Azaiez R, Helal A N, Chouchane L

Primary Institution: Laboratoire d'immuno-oncologie moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine de Monastir, Tunisia

Hypothesis

The study investigates the relationship between GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletions and susceptibility to breast carcinoma in the Tunisian population.

Conclusion

The GSTT1 gene deletion may be a susceptibility marker for early onset breast carcinoma and a predictor of chemotherapy response.

Supporting Evidence

  • The null-GSTT1 genotype was significantly associated with early onset breast carcinoma in premenopausal women.
  • Patients with the null-GSTT1 genotype had a better response to chemotherapy compared to those with the present-GSTT1 genotype.
  • No significant association was found between GSTM1 gene deletion and breast carcinoma onset.
  • Patients with both null-GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes had improved disease-free survival rates.

Takeaway

This study looked at how certain gene changes might make people more likely to get breast cancer and how well they respond to treatment.

Methodology

The study analyzed gene deletion frequencies in 309 breast cancer patients and 242 control subjects, collecting clinical follow-up data and using PCR-based assays for polymorphism analysis.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the selection of control subjects and the homogeneity of the population.

Limitations

The study may not be generalizable beyond the Tunisian population due to its specific ethnic focus.

Participant Demographics

The study included 309 breast carcinoma patients (304 females, 5 males) with a mean age of 52 years and 242 control subjects (110 females, 132 males) with a mean age of 41 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.02

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6601292

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication