Association between the rs4784227-CASC16 polymorphism and the risk of breast cancer: A meta-analysis

Although several studies have identified an association between the rs4784227-cancer susceptibility candidate gene 16 (CASC16) polymorphism and breast cancer, the results remain inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the relationship between the rs4784227-CASC16 polymorphism and breast cancer risk. METHODS: Studies were searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochran Library databases until June 10, 2021, to identify all potential literature on rs4784227-CASC16 polymorphism and breast cancer risk association. Fixed-effect or random-effect models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Subgroup analyses, publication bias, and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. RESULTS: Seventeen eligible studies involving 34,719 subjects (18,445 cases and 16,274 healthy controls) from 7 articles were included in the current meta-analysis. The pooled ORs regarding the association between the rs4784227-CASC16 polymorphism and breast cancer risk were statistically significant [T vs C: OR = 1.244, 95% CI = 1.202–1.287; TT vs CT + CC: OR = 1.407, 95% CI = 1.296–1.528; CC vs CT + TT: OR = 0.777, 95% CI = 0.745–0.811; TT vs CC: OR = 1.544, 95% CI = 1.419–1.681; CT vs CC: OR = 1.244, 95% CI = 1.189–1.301]. On subgroup analysis, the rs4784227-CASC16 T/C gene has a certain correlation with breast cancer susceptibility in Asian and North American populations, but no significant risk in the Australian population. CONCLUSION: Our pooled analysis showed a significant association between the rs4784227- (T) allele and breast cancer susceptibility in Asian and North American populations, and intervention with this mutation might be a new therapeutic strategy for breast cancer. However, large-scale and well-designed studies are needed in different populations to further evaluate the role of the rs4784227-CASC16 polymorphism in breast cancer.