XPA A23G polymorphism is associated with the elevated response to platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

DNA repair capacity (DRC) is correlated with sensitivity of cancer cells toward platinum-based chemotherapy. We hypothesize that genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair gene XPA (xeroderma pigmentosum group A) and XPG (xeroderma pigmentosum group G) (ERCC5, excision repair cross-complementation group 5), which result in inter-individual differences in DNA repair efficiency, may predict clinical response to platinum agents in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. In this study, we find that the A -> G change of XPA A23G polymorphism significantly increased response to platinum-based chemotherapy. Polymorphism in XPG His46His was associated with a decreased treatment response, but was not statistically significant.