Prognostic Value of Two Polymorphisms, rs1045642 and rs1128503, in ABCB1 Following Taxane-based Chemotherapy: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE: Genetic polymorphisms can influence the chemotherapeutic response; however, previous studies have produced conflicting results, and have failed to identify the most relevant polymorphisms for predicting the response to treatment in patients with cancer. The present meta-analysis was conducted to determine the correlation between two polymorphisms (rs1045642 and rs1128503) in ATP-binding cassette transporter B subfamily member 1 (ABCB1), which is associated with multidrug resistance, and the survival of patients treated with taxane-containing chemotherapy. METHODS: Several databases, including PubMed and Embase, were used to retrieve articles evaluating the association between the ABCB1 rs1045642 and rs1128503 polymorphisms and survival, published prior to August 2019. The meta-analysis was conducted using R software to determine the pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS: Fifteen studies involving 3320 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The effect of the rs1128503 polymorphism on progression-free survival remained significant in the heterozygote (HR 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67–0.98) and homozygote (HR 0.71; 95% CI: 0.58–0.88) models. The TT genotype rs1128503 was associated with better overall survival (HR 0.72; 95% CI: 0.53–0.97). CONCLUSION: Carriers of the rs1128503 T allele of ABCB1 showed a survival benefit after taxane-containing chemotherapy.