Investigation of Caspase 9 Gene Polymorphism in Patients With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Background/Aim: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common forms of lung cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. Caspase 9 (CASP9) plays a central role in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of caspase 9 gene polymorphism in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Materials and Methods: The study included 96 NSCLC cases and 67 controls. CASP9 Ex5+32 G>A polymorphism was investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: There was a significant difference between the groups in the frequency of CASP9 genotypes (p=0.008). The number of the carriers of the ancestral GG genotype, was significantly higher in the NSCLC group than in the control (p=0.009). The heterozygote GA genotype and mutant A allele frequency were significantly higher in the control group compared to the NSCLC group (p=0.005, p=0.009, respectively). Serum CASP9 levels were significantly lower in the patients group than in the control group (p<0.0001). Conclusion: CASP9 Ex5+32 GG genotype was a risk factor whereas the variant A allele could be a risk-reducing factor for NSCLC.