The rs1447295 polymorphism in the 8q24 gene contributes to cancer risk, especially prostate cancer: a meta-analysis

Background: Several studies have suggested a significant association between 8q24 polymorphisms rs1447295 C>A and the risk of different types of cancer. However, the results from published studies are inconclusive. Materials and Methods: Eligible studies from 2007 to 2017 were collected through researching from PubMed, Embase, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence interval (95% CIs) were calculated to assess the associations. Begg's funnel plot was applied to check the publication bias. Results: A total of 37 articles and 51 studies were contained for 21523 cases and 26180 controls to evaluate the relationship between rs1447295 polymorphisms and risk of cancer. Overall, a significantly increased risk of cancer was found to be associated with rs1447295 polymorphism (AA + AC vs. CC, OR = 1.283, 95% CI: 1.175-1.402, p value < 0.001; CC vs. AA + AC, OR = 1.467, 95% CI = 1.298-1.659, p value < 0.001; AA vs. CC, OR = 1.571, 95% CI: 1.284-1.921, p value < 0.001; AC vs. CC, OR = 1.251, 95% CI = 1.142-1.371, p value < 0.001; A vs. C, OR = 1.298, 95% CI: 1.200-1.404, p value < 0.001). In subgroup analysis by cancer types, rs1447295 polymorphism was significantly associated with prostate cancer. However, there was not sufficient evidence and data to assess an association of rs1447295 polymorphism and other cancers risk. Conclusions: Meta-analysis showed that the rs1447295 polymorphism contributes to cancer risk, especially prostate cancer.