Polymorphisms of Homologous Recombination Genes and Clinical Outcomes of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Definitive Radiotherapy
2011

Genetic Variants and Lung Cancer Treatment Outcomes

Sample size: 228 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Yin Ming, Liao Zhongxing, Huang Yu-Jing, Liu Zhensheng, Yuan Xianglin, Gomez Daniel, Wang Li-E, Wei Qingyi

Primary Institution: The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Hypothesis

Genetic polymorphisms in DSB repair genes may affect clinical outcomes among non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with definitive radio(chemo)therapy.

Conclusion

The study suggests that HR genetic polymorphisms, particularly RAD51 −135G>C, may influence overall survival and radiation pneumonitis in NSCLC patients treated with definitive radio(chemo)therapy.

Supporting Evidence

  • The RAD51 −135G>C SNP was associated with reduced risk of radiation pneumonitis.
  • Both RAD51 −135G>C and XRCC2 R188H SNPs were independent prognostic factors for overall survival.
  • The SNP-survival association was most pronounced in the presence of radiation pneumonitis.

Takeaway

Some people have different genes that can change how well they respond to lung cancer treatment. This study found that a specific gene change can help predict how well patients will do after treatment.

Methodology

The study genotyped six SNPs in DSB repair genes and analyzed their associations with overall survival and radiation pneumonitis in NSCLC patients.

Limitations

The study's sample size is not large enough for stratified analyses, and the mechanisms of how genetic polymorphisms influence outcomes were not explored.

Participant Demographics

The study included 228 NSCLC patients, with 125 men and 103 women, median age of 63 years, and 74.6% were white.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.010 for RAD51 −135G>C and p=0.009 for XRCC2 R188H

Confidence Interval

95% CI, 0.31–0.86 for RAD51 −135G>C and 95% CI, 1.14–2.62 for XRCC2 R188H

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0020055

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