Role of ERCC1 and ERCC2 genetic polymorphisms in the sensitivity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma to radiochemotherapy in a Chinese population

Here, we performed a case-control study to assess the relationship between ERCC1 (rs11615 and rs3212986) and ERCC2 (rs13181 and rs1799793) polymorphisms and response to radiochemotherapy and overall survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. This case-control study is comprised of 142 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients. The esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients were selected between February 2010 and February 2012. The ERCC1 (rs11615 and rs3212986) and ERCC2 (rs13181 and rs1799793) polymorphisms was evaluated using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). As determined by a multiple logistic regression analysis, the TT genotype (OR=11.36, 95% CI=3.93-32.81) and CT+TT genotype (OR=6.46, 95% CI=2.92-14.39) of ERCC1 rs11615 was correlated with more CR+PR when compared with the CC genotype. The median survival times of individuals carrying the TT genotype and CT+TT genotype of ERCC1 rs11615 were significantly higher than those with the CC genotype (P value for Log-rank test was 0.048). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that individuals with the TT genotype (HR=0.32, 95% CI=0.130.83) and CT+TT genotype (HR=0.39, 95% CI=0.18-0.83) of ERCC1 rs11615 were at decreased risk for death in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients as compared to those with the CC genotype. However, no significant relationship was observed between ERCC1 rs3212986 and ERCC2 rs13181 and rs1799793 genomic polymorphisms and response to radiochemotherapy and overall survival of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients. In summary, ERCC1 rs11615 genomic polymorphism was markedly correlated with response to radiochemotherapy and overall survival in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.