Meta-analysis of the association between P53 codon 72 polymorphisms and gastric cancer

Purpose This meta‐analysis aims to examine whether the P53 codon 72 polymorphisms is associated with gastric cancer risk. Methods Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were appropriately derived from random‐effects models. Separate analyses were conducted on Asian and Caucasian populations. And a total of 21 studies were eligible (5,867 cases and 7,001 controls); 15 of them were conducted on Asians, others on Caucasians. Results The combined results based on all studies showed that there was significant difference in genotype distribution between gastric cancer and non‐cancer patients in the allele contrast (Pro vs. Arg); the codominant model (Pro/Pro vs. Arg/Arg) and the recessive model (Pro/Pro vs. Pro/Arg + Arg/Arg). When stratifying for race, patients with gastric cancer had a significantly higher frequency of Pro (OR = 1.136, 95% CI = 1.051–1.229), Pro/Pro (OR = 1.314, 95% CI = 1.110–1.555), Pro/Arg (OR = 1.099, 95% CI = 1.009–1.197), (Pro/Pro + Pro/Arg (OR = 1.153, 95% CI = 1.059–1.255) than non‐cancer patients among Asians. There was statistically significant heterogeneity across all included studies with the Q statistic and study population may be the most important factor contributed to the heterogeneity. Conclusions In conclusion, the P53 codon 72 polymorphisms seems to be associated with gastric cancer risk and the analyses suggested that P53 codon 72 polymorphisms may be an important biomarker of gastric cancer susceptibility for Asians. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:360–366. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.