Evaluation of the Association of rs4680 COMT Polymorphism and Clinical Parameters of the Tumor in Colorectal Cancer (a Pilot Study)

Abstract

We analyzed association of rs4680 polymorphism of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene with clinical parameters of the tumor in patients with colorectal cancer (n=100). Based on the classification of the tumor according to the TNM system, groups were formed taking into account the size and spreading of the primary tumor (T1+T2 vs Т3+Т4) and the presence of regional (N0 vs N1) and distant metastases (M0 vs M1). An association of the AA genotype with an almost 7-fold increased capacity for invasive tumor growth was found (p<0.05; according to recessive (AA vs GG+GA) and codominant (AA vs GG) inheritance models). A positive relationship of minor allele A with increased malignancy of tumor cells was revealed at the trend level. No significant associations with either regional or distant metastasis were found.