An overview of genetic polymorphisms and pancreatic cancer risk in molecular epidemiologic studies.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although pancreatic cancer has been extensively studied, few risk factors have been identified, and no validated biomarkers or screening tools exist for early detection in asymptomatic individuals. We present a broad overview of molecular epidemiologic studies that have addressed the relationship between pancreatic cancer risk and genetic polymorphisms in several candidate genes and suggest avenues for future research.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PubMed database.

Results

Overall, individual polymorphisms did not seem to confer great susceptibility to pancreatic cancer; however, interactions of polymorphisms in carcinogen-metabolizing genes, DNA repair genes, and folate-metabolizing genes with smoking, diet, and obesity

SUBMITTER: Lin Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3899511 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature