Identification of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genetic variants that modify risk for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Cancer Lett. 2015 Feb 28;357(2):549-56. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.12.008. Epub 2014 Dec 12.

Abstract

EGFR polymorphisms have not been thoroughly evaluated for association with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) risk. We genotyped 578 HNSCC patients and 588 cancer-free controls for 60 EGFR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and tested associations with HNSCC risk. EGFR intronic SNPs rs12535536, rs2075110, rs1253871, rs845561 and rs6970262 and synonymous SNP rs2072454 were associated with HNSCC risk among all subjects (p < 0.05). SNPs rs12538371, rs845561, and rs6970262 were significantly associated with HNSCC risk (p < 0.05) among never tobacco users. We identified EGFR variants that likely modify risk for HNSCC including three variants that contribute to tobacco-independent risk.

Keywords: Case–control study; Genetic polymorphism; Head and neck cancer risk; Nonsmoker; Tobacco-independent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Genotype
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Introns / genetics
  • Linkage Disequilibrium
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Papillomavirus Infections / virology
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • ErbB Receptors