Prognostic Role of MicroRNA Polymorphisms in Patients with Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Receiving Platinum-based Chemotherapy

Purpose: MicroRNA (miRNA) polymorphisms contribute to cancer susceptibility and prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of miRNA polymorphisms on clinical outcomes in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.

Methods: Five polymorphisms (miR-146a rs2910164, miR-196a2 rs11614913, miR-100 rs1834306, miR-125a rs12976445 and miR-26a1 rs7372209) were genotyped in 378 patients with advanced ESCC recruited at Zhongshan Hospital. The associations between genotypes and drug response, toxicity, and overall survival were analyzed.

Results: miR-146a rs2910164 was significantly associated with an increased risk of severe hematological toxicity [odds ratio = 0.374, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.171-0.819, P = 0.014]. The TT genotypes of both miR-196a2 rs11614913 and miR-125a rs12976445 were associated with worse survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.552, 95 % CI 1.112-2.165, P = 0.010; HR = 2.171, 95 % CI 1.173-4.017, P = 0.014, respectively]. Combined analysis revealed a 4.073-fold increased risk of death in patients carrying two unfavorable genotypes (P = 0.002).

Conclusions: Taken together, these findings indicate that miRNA polymorphisms may predict prognosis in advanced ESCC patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy.