Gene polymorphisms and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are associated with variable prognosis even with similar clinical characteristics and treatments. Gene polymorphisms have been suggested as prognostic factors for HNSCC which can justified this variable prognosis. So, the aim was to review literatures on gene polymorphisms and prognosis of HNSCCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Web of science, SCOPUS, Google Scholar and Cochrane library databases to find all related articles published up to December 2021 in the field of gene polymorphisms and HNSCC prognosis.

RESULTS

Of 1029 initial searched articles, 71 articles were selected for inclusion in this systematic review. About 93 genes and 204 polymorphisms have been discussed in these articles. Among the most studied polymorphisms, the and polymorphisms were not associated with survival in most studies; the polymorphism had no significant association in any of the studies. Different gene polymorphisms of glutathione s-transferase family, including , and , were not associated with survival in included studies. There are conflicting results regarding the association between polymorphisms such as , , and with HNSCC prognosis. Less studied polymorphisms, such as or the , were generally not associated with HNSCC prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Reviewed articles reported varied and contradictory results regarding the association of gene polymorphisms and HNSCC prognosis, which necessitates further studies along with meta-analysis on the results of such studies.