Association of p53 codon 72 polymorphism with liver metastases of colorectal cancers positive for p53 overexpression

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association between p53 codon 72 polymorphism (R72P) and the risk of colorectal liver metastases. Methods: The p53 R72P genotype was identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method in 78 consecutive colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases and 214 age-and sex-matched cases with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer. Results: The R allele of the p53 R72P polymorphism was more frequently found in metastatic cases than in nonmetastatic cases (P=0.075). Carriers of the 72R allele had a 2.25-fold (95% CI (confidence interval)= 1.05∼4.83) increased risk of liver metastases. On the stratification analysis, 72R-carrying genotype conferred a 3.46-fold (95% CI=1.02∼11.72) and a 1.05-fold (95% CI=0.36∼3.08) increased risk of liver metastases for p53 overexpression-positive and negative colorectal cancers, respectively. Conclusion: These results demonstrate for the first time that the 72R allele of the p53 polymorphism has an increased risk for liver metastases in colorectal cancers positive for p53 overexpression. © Zhejiang University and Springer-Verlag GmbH 2008.