Polymorphisms of ERBB2 and breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis of 26 studies involving 35,088 subjects.

Background and Objectives Several epidemiologic studies have investigated the relationship between the polymorphisms of ERBB2 gene and breast cancer risk. However, the results are inconclusive. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between ERBB2 Ile655Val and Ala1170Pro polymorphisms and the susceptibility to breast cancer. Methods Twenty-six studies including 15,940 cases and 19,148 controls were analyzed in this meta-analysis. Results Overall, allele contrast (Val vs. Ile) of ERBB2 655 polymorphism produced significant results in worldwide populations (OR = 1.123, 95%CI = 1.01–1.249) and in Caucasian populations (OR = 1.149, 95%CI = 1.002–1.318). In addition, the Val/Val genotype of ERBB2 655 polymorphism was associated with an increase risk of breast cancer in African (Val/Val vs. Ile/Ile OR = 16.031 95%CI = 2.019–127.267; Val/Val vs. Ile/Val + Ile/Ile OR = 16.445 95%CI = 2.059–131.351), but not in Caucasian or Asian individuals. Conclusions ERBB2 655 Val allele would be a risk factor for breast cancer, especially in Caucasian populations. In addition, the Val/Val genotype was a risk factor for breast cancer in African individuals. ERBB2 Ala1170Pro was not associated with breast cancer susceptibility. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013; 108:337–341. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.