The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) variant c.677C>T (A222V) influences overall survival of patients with glioblastoma multiforme

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent primary brain tumor in adults. Prognosis is poor. Using a series of 214 GBM patients, we observed an effect of the variant 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) c.677C>T on overall survival. This effect was strongest in patients younger than 60 years at diagnosis (overall survival, median ± SE: genotype CC, 13 ± 1 months; CT, 11 ± 2 months; TT, 7 ± 3 months; multivariate Cox regression analysis, Wald = 8.58, p = 0.007). In addition, the MTHFR genotype significantly influenced the overall survival of patients with a postoperative Karnofsky score >70 (CC, 12 ± 2 months; CT, 11 ± 1 months; TT, 10 ± 4 months; Wald = 5.89, p = 0.015). These data suggest the MTHFR c.677C≥T variant is a risk factor for survival in GBM patients. Copyright 2008 by the society for Neuro-Oncology.