Association between Frequency of Chromosomal Aberrations and Cancer Risk Is Not Influenced by Genetic Polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1

2009

Chromosomal Aberrations and Cancer Risk

Sample size: 398 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Rossi Anna Maria, Hansteen Inger-Lise, Skjelbred Camilla Furu, Ballardin Michela, Maggini Valentina, Murgia Elena, Tomei Antonio, Viarengo Paolo, Knudsen Lisbeth E., Barale Roberto, Norppa Hannu, Bonassi Stefano

Primary Institution: Department of Biology, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy

Hypothesis

Does the association between chromosomal aberrations and cancer risk depend on genetic polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1?

Conclusion

The study confirms that chromosomal aberration frequency is associated with cancer risk, but this association is not influenced by GSTM1 and GSTT1 genetic polymorphisms.

Supporting Evidence

Chromosomal aberration frequency in lymphocytes is linked to increased cancer risk.
The association between CA frequency and cancer risk was confirmed across different national cohorts.
Genetic polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 did not modify the association between CA and cancer risk.
The study utilized a Bayesian model to analyze the data, which is beneficial for small sample sizes.
Technical variability in cytogenetic analysis was minimized by using uniform protocols.
CA frequency was particularly associated with cancers of the respiratory, genitourinary, and digestive tracts.

Takeaway

This study found that having more chromosomal damage in your blood can mean a higher chance of getting cancer, but it doesn't matter if you have certain genetic traits.

Methodology

A case-control study was conducted using data from cytogenetic studies, comparing 107 cancer cases with 291 controls, analyzing chromosomal aberrations and genetic polymorphisms.