The TNF-Alpha-238 Polymorphism and Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis
2011

TNF-Alpha-238 Polymorphism and Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Sample size: 34679 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zhou Ping, Lv Guo-Qiang, Wang Jian-Zhong, Li Cheng-Wan, Du Liang-Feng, Zhang Chun, Li Jian-Ping

Primary Institution: The Third Affiliated Hospital to Nantong University, Wuxi, China

Hypothesis

What is the relationship between TNF-α-238 polymorphism and cancer risk?

Conclusion

No significant association was found between the TNF-α-238 polymorphism and the risk for cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • The meta-analysis included 34 studies with a total of 34,679 cancer patients and 41,186 healthy controls.
  • The odds ratio for the overall studies was 1.09, indicating no significant association.
  • Subgroup analyses by ethnicity and cancer type also showed no significant associations.

Takeaway

This study looked at whether a specific genetic change is linked to cancer risk, and it found that it isn't.

Methodology

A meta-analysis of 34 studies was conducted, comparing cancer patients with healthy controls using odds ratios.

Potential Biases

No publication bias was observed.

Limitations

The study could not account for all environmental factors that may influence cancer risk.

Participant Demographics

The study included 34,679 cancer patients and 41,186 healthy controls from various ethnic backgrounds.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.42

Confidence Interval

0.88–1.34

Statistical Significance

p=0.42

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022092

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