Association of four genetic polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor-A gene and development of ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis

This study meta-analyzed the literature on possible association of four polymorphisms (+ 936C/T, -460C/T, -2578C/A and -1154G/A) in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A gene with risk of ovarian cancer. Meta-analysis of 7 case-control studies involving + 936C/T, 4 studies involving -460C/T, 4 studies involving -2578C/A and 2 studies involving -1154G/A showed significant association between -460C/T and ovarian cancer risk. This risk was observed in the total population (allelic model, OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.26-2.59, P = 0.001; recessive model, OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.13-2.98, P = 0.01; dominant model, OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.39-0.67, P < 0.001; homozygous model, OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.72-3.56, P < 0.001; heterozygous model, OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.26-2.21, P < 0.001) and in the subgroup of Asian study participants. The CA genotype at -2578C/A was a risk factor in the total population, while the CT genotype at + 936C/T was a protective factor in Caucasians. None of the five genetic models suggested a significant association between -1154G/A and ovarian cancer risk in the entire study population, or between +936C/T and risk in Asian or Chinese participants. These findings should be verified in large, well-designed studies.