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Meta-Analysis of MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms and Response to Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers in Larisa, Greece, conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and response to fluorouracil-based chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer. The analysis included ten studies relating MTHFR C677T and six studies relating MTHFR A1298C to the response to chemotherapy. The study found that for both C677T and A1298C polymorphisms, the main analysis revealed nonsignificant heterogeneity and a lack of association with the response to chemotherapy. The subgroup analysis by ethnicity did not change this pattern of results, and the recursive cumulative meta-analysis indicated the need for more evidence to support a definite lack of association.

Key Takeaways:

  • The meta-analysis included a total of 16 studies relating MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms to the response to fluorouracil-based chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer.
  • The main analysis revealed nonsignificant heterogeneity and a lack of association between MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and the response to chemotherapy.
  • The subgroup analysis by ethnicity did not change the lack of association between the polymorphisms and the response to chemotherapy.
  • The recursive cumulative meta-analysis indicated the need for more evidence to support a definite lack of association between the polymorphisms and the response to chemotherapy.
  • There was no differential magnitude of the effect in large versus small studies.
  • The available evidence indicates that MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene polymorphisms cannot be considered as reliable predictors of response to fluorouracil-based chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer.
  • The study was published in Pharmacogenomics (MTHFR gene polymorphisms and response to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis. Pharmocogenomics, 2009;10(8):1285-1294).

Statistics:

  • 10 studies relating MTHFR C677T to the response to chemotherapy were included in the meta-analysis.
  • 6 studies relating MTHFR A1298C to the response to chemotherapy were included in the meta-analysis.
  • The pooled odds ratios were estimated for both the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms.
  • The subgroup analysis by ethnicity did not change the pattern of results.
  • The recursive cumulative meta-analysis showed a lack of stability of the relative change of odds ratio for both polymorphisms.

Sources:

  • Zintzaras, E., et al. "MTHFR gene polymorphisms and response to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis." Pharmacogenomics 2009;10(8):1285-1294.
  • University of Thessaly, Medical Department.

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