Lack of influence of XRCC1 and XPD gene polymorphisms on outcome of platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced non small cell lung cancers.

PURPOSE

Genetic polymorphisms of DNA repair genes are associated with differential enzyme activity and may help explain interindividual differences in response rates after platinum-based chemotherapy for non small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). This study was conducted to assess relationships between X-ray repair cross complementing group1 (XRCC1) and xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) genetic polymorphisms and outcome in NSCLC patients.

METHODS

From March 1, 2005 to December 31, 2008, the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was applied to evaluate genetic polymorphisms of the XRCC1 codon399 (Arg/Gln) and XPD codon751 (Lys/Gln) DNA repair genes in 108 patients with stage IIIB and IV NSCLCs treated with platinum-based chemotherapy in the Department of Chemotherapy of Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Research Institute.

RESULTS

Among the assessed NSCLC patients, the overall response rate of chemotherapy was 21.6%. No association was found with either of the genetic polymorphisms, although the XRCC1 399Arg/Arg genotype was associated with a non-significant higher median survival time (29 months versus 21 months for the Arg/Gln genotype and 15 months for the Gln/Gln genotype, P= 0.09).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested no influence of the XRCC1 codon399 (Arg/Gln) and XPD codon751 (Lys/Gln) genetic polymorphisms on treatment response and survival in advanced NSCLC patients with platinum-based chemotherapy.