Lack of Influence of XRCC1 and XPD Gene Polymorphisms on Outcome of Platinum-based Chemotherapy for Advanced Non Small Cell Lung Cancers

Purpose: Genetic polymorphisms of DNA repair genes are associated with differential enzyme activity andmay help explain interindividual differences in response rates after platinum-based chemotherapy for non smallcell lung cancers (NSCLCs). This study was conducted to assess relationships between X-ray repair crosscomplementing group1 (XRCC1) and xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) genetic polymorphisms andoutcome in NSCLC patients.
Methods: From March 1, 2005 to December 31, 2008, the polymerase chainreaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was applied to evaluate genetic polymorphisms ofthe XRCC1 codon399 (Arg/Gln) and XPD codon751 (Lys/Gln) DNA repair genes in 108 patients with stage IIIBand IV NSCLCs treated with platinum-based chemotherapy in the Department of Chemotherapy of JiangsuCancer Hospital and Research Institute.
Results: Among the assessed NSCLC patients, the overall responserate of chemotherapy was 21.6%. No association was found with either of the genetic polymorphisms, althoughthe XRCC1 399Arg/Arg genotype was associated with a non-significant higher median survival time (29 monthsversus 21 months for the Arg/Gln genotype and 15 months for the Gln/Gln genotype, P=0.09).
Conclusion: Ourresults suggested no influence of the XRCC1 codon399 (Arg/Gln) and XPD codon751 (Lys/Gln) geneticpolymorphisms on treatment response and survival in advanced NSCLC patients with platinum-basedchemotherapy.