Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms and Breast Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Trabert Britton, Malone Kathleen E, Daling Janet R, Doody David R, Bernstein Leslie, Ursin Giske, Marchbanks Polly A, Strom Brian L, Humphrey Mariela C, Ostrander Elaine A
Primary Institution: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Hypothesis
Are polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene associated with breast cancer risk in Caucasian and African-American women?
Conclusion
The study found an increased risk for breast cancer in postmenopausal Caucasian women with the BsmI bb genotype, but no significant associations were observed in African-American women.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included a large sample size of 3,066 women.
- Significant associations were found for the BsmI genotype in postmenopausal Caucasian women.
- No significant associations were observed for the Poly(A) genotype.
- The study controlled for various known breast cancer risk factors.
Takeaway
This study looked at how certain gene changes might affect the risk of getting breast cancer, especially in older white women.
Methodology
The study used a population-based case-control design, examining the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and breast cancer risk among women aged 35 to 64.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the over-sampling of women with a family history of breast cancer.
Limitations
The study was limited by the fact that only two positions of the VDR gene were examined, and the sample size for certain genotypes was small.
Participant Demographics
Participants included Caucasian and African-American women aged 35 to 64, with a total of 1,631 cases and 1,435 controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Confidence Interval
1.04 to 2.27
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website