Influence of TGFB1+869T>C functional polymorphism in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) risk

Purpose Lung cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Europe and is the first cause of death by cancer worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 75-85% of all histological types of LC. The transforming growth factor beta 1 is a multifunctional regulatory polypeptide that controls many aspects of cellular function (cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis, immune surveillance). TGFB1+869T>C is a functional polymorphism described in TGFB1 gene and this transition has been associated with higher circulating levels of TGF beta 1 that may modulate cellular microenvironment and consequently LC development and prognosis. Methods We studied TGFB + 869T > C functional polymorphism by allelic discrimination using 7300 real-time polymerase chain reaction system in 305 patients with NSCLC and 380 healthy individuals. Results We found an increased risk for C carriers to develop NSCLC, both epidermoid NSCLC and non-epidermoid NSCLC (odds ratio (OR) = 2.03, P < 0.0001, OR = 2.37, P < 0.001 and OR = 1.83, P = 0.001, respectively). TGFB1+869T>C functional polymorphism may influence NSCLC susceptibility with impact in cellular microenvironment. Conclusions Our results suggest that individual differences influence the susceptibility to LC and tumoral behavior. This genetic profiling may help define higher risk groups for an individualized chemoprevention strategy and therapy.