Association of folate metabolism-related genetic polymorphisms with susceptibility to breast cancer A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Breast cancer has recently become one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths, and several studies have suggested that genetic polymorphisms in the folate metabolism pathway may be associated with susceptibility to breast cancer, although their results have been inconsistent or inconclusive. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to obtain accurate, consistent conclusions regarding the potential associations of genetic polymorphisms in the folate metabolism pathway with the risk of breast cancer, based on case-controlled studies. Methods: From the beginning of database establishment through May 2021, we indexed and searched domestic and foreign databases, including the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Web of Science, VIP and BioMedical Database of China, PubMed, EMBASE, Wanfang database, and the Cochrane Library. To determine the effects of folate metabolism-related genetic polymorphisms on breast cancer risk, we used Stata version 16.0 to analyze all data and calculated variable odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results: The findings of the current meta-analysis are going to be presented to peer-reviewed journals for publication when the analysis is completed. Conclusion: The meta-analysis will summarize the association of genetic polymorphisms in the folate metabolism pathway with breast cancer.