Genetic Variations in Esophageal Cancer Risk and Prognosis
Investigations into inherited genetic variations in the DNA code (known as polymorphisms) in the field of oncology have provided preliminary support for an association with cancer risks and outcomes. Early studies have highlighted several genes with this potential predictive and prognostic power. However, these studies have had methodological limitations and have produced inconsistent results, making impractical as yet the routine evaluation of such genetic polymorphisms in general clinical practice. Continued research in this area is essential if we are to be able to soon use genetic polymorphisms to better select patients for targeted anticancer interventions. This review discusses the role of genetic polymorphisms and their association with esophageal cancer risk and prognosis. The article also highlights future directions in this new, emerging field of molecular epidemiology.
aMedical Oncology and Hematology, Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital/Ontario Cancer Institute, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue, 7-124, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
bEpidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
cApplied Molecular Oncology, Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Hospital/Ontario Cancer Institute, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue, 7-124, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
dEnvironmental and Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
Corresponding author. Medical Oncology and Hematology, Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital/Ontario Cancer Institute, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue, 7-124, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada.
Research related to this article was supported by grants from the Alan B. Brown Chair in Molecular Genomics at Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto; the Posluns Family Foundation; the National Institutes of Health (Research Project Grant [RO1] CA 109,193); and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Other financial support included a Connaught award and a scholarship from the Canadian Association of Medical Oncology.
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