Updated meta-analysis on HER2 polymorphisms and risk of breast cancer: Evidence from 32 studies

Abstract

Background: Several studies have been performed to investigate the association of the HER2 Ile655Val polymorphism and breast cancer risk. However, the results were inconsistent. To understand the precise relationship, a meta-analysis was here conducted. Materials and Methods: A search of PubMed conducted to investigate links between the HER2 Ile655Val polymorphism and breast cancer, identified a total of 32 studies, of which 29, including 14,926 cases and 15,768 controls, with odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess any association. Results: In the overall analysis, the HER2 Ile655Val polymorphism was associated with breast cancer in an additive genetic model (OR = 1.136, 95% CI 1.043-1.239, p = 0.004) and in a dominant genetic (OR = 1.118, 95% CI 1.020-1.227, p = 0.018), while no association was found in a recessive genetic model. On subgroup analysis, an association with breast cancer was noted in the additive genetic model (OR = 1.111, 95% CI: 1.004-1.230, p = 0.042) for the Caucasian subgroup. No significant associations were observed in Asians and Africans in any of the genetic models. Conclusions: In summary, our meta-analysis findings suggest that the HER2 Ile655Val polymorphism is marginally associated with breast cancer susceptibility in worldwide populations with additive and dominant models, but not a recessive model.