FGFR4 Gly(388)Arg polymorphism contributes to prostate cancer development and progression: A meta-analysis of 2618 cases and 2305 controls

BACKGROUND: Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) displays multiple biological activities, including mitogenic and angiogenic activity, and plays important roles in the etiology and progression of prostate cancer. Gly(388)Arg polymorphism in FGFR4 gene has been reported to be involved in prostate cancer incidence and aggressiveness in several studies. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. METHODS: Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the association. RESULTS: The Arg(388 )allele increased prostate cancer risk compared with Gly(388 )allele (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.07-1.29). When stratified by race, there was a significantly increased prostate cancer risk in Asian and Caucasian populations. Moreover, prostate cancer patients with Arg/Arg genotype had a 1.34-fold increased risk of advanced prostate cancer (95% CI: 1.03-1.74) compared with those with Gly/Gly+Gly/Arg genotype. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed the evidence that FGFR4 Gly(388)Arg polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer development and progression, suggesting that FGFR4 Gly(388)Arg polymorphism could be a marker for prostate cancer development and progression.