IRF4 polymorphism rs872071 and risk of Hodgkin lymphoma

Abstract

The reciprocal familial risk between chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) suggests genetic variants with pleiotropic effects may influence the risk of both CLL and HL. We have recently shown that the IRF4 variant rs872071 influences CLL risk. To examine if rs872071 genotype is associated with HL risk we genotyped two case-control series (totalling, 529 and 2192, respectively). This analysis provides evidence that IRF4 rs872071 influences HL risk; Odds Ratio = 1·21 (95% confidence interval: 1·05-1·39, P = 0·009) and highlights the importance of inherited variation in B-cell developmental genes in the development of HL. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.