The association between RAD23B Ala249Val polymorphism and cancer susceptibility: evidence from a meta-analysis

A number of studies have investigated associations of genetic variation in RAD23B Ala249Val (rs1805329 C>T) with cancer susceptibility; however, the findings are inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis to acquire a more precise estimation of the relationship. We searched literatures from PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the association between Ala249Val polymorphism and cancer risk. A total of 23 studies consisting of 10837 cases and 13971 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, no significant associations were found between RAD23B Ala249Val polymorphism and cancer risk (Val/Val vs. Ala/Ala: OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.75-1.25; Ala/Val vs. Ala/Ala: OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.96-1.22; recessive model: OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.76-1.14 and dominant model: OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.94-1.20). We did not find any significant associations in the further stratification analyses by cancer type, ethnicity and source of control. Despite some limitations, this meta-analysis indicates that it is unlikely that the RAD23B 249Val/Val polymorphism may contribute to the individual susceptibility to cancer risk. However, further advanced designed studies with larger sample size and different ethnicities should be conducted to confirm our results.