Microsatellite polymorphisms in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene and the transforming growth factor-α (TGFA) gene and risk of oral cancer in Puerto Rico

OBJECTIVES AND METHODSRisks of oral cancer related to a CA microsatellite repeat polymorphism in intron 1 of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene and a TaqI polymorphism in the transforming growth factor-α (TGFA) gene were evaluated in a population-based case–control study consisting of 157 cases and 149 controls recruited in Puerto Rico. RESULTSCarriers of ≥16 CA repeats in EGFR showed a 1.9-fold increased risk for oral cancer (OR=1.9, 95% CI=1.0–3.5). Risks also tended to increase with decreasing number of alleles with ≥16 CA repeats (P for trend=0.06). Our data suggested a non-significant reduction in risk for subjects heterozygous for the TGFA polymorphism (OR=0.6, 95% CI=0.2–1.3). CONCLUSIONSThe EGFR-associated risk appeared to be independent of tobacco and alcohol use and may be restricted primarily to subjects who consumed low amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables (OR=5.9, 95%CI2.3–15.2). These data implicate dietary and molecular targets for oral cancer prevention.