Association of the GNB3 825T-allele with better survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme.

PURPOSE

Genotypes of the C825T polymorphism of the GNB3 gene encoding the G protein beta3 subunit were recently associated with the prognosis of different malignomas. We investigated potential associations of GNB3 genotypes with survival of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

METHODS

One hundred and sixty-one patients suffering from GBM were retrospectively investigated. Inclusion criteria were availability of DNA and a follow-up of at least 24 months. The results were evaluated with respect to the basic clinical data, type of surgical intervention, MGMT promoter methylation, adjuvant therapy, and survival.

RESULTS

After 2 years of first diagnosis, 128 (79.5%) of the 161 patients had died, 33 (20.5%) were alive. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed a significant higher rate of survival for homo- and heterozygous T-allele carriers (P = 0.019) with 38.5 and 25.3%, respectively, but only 11.6% for homozygous C-allele carriers. Multivariable Cox regression identified the heterozygous (hazard ratio 3.3, 95% CI 1.3-8.0, P = 0.010), as well as homozygous GNB3 825 C-allele (hazard ratio 3.7, 95% CI 1.5-9.1, P = 0.004) as an independent negative prognostic factor for 2-year survival according to the GNB3 825 TT genotype reference group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest an association of the GNB3 825TT genotype and better survival in patients with GBM.