The CHEK2 I157T Variant and Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: The cell cycle checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2) gene I157T variant may be associated with anincreased risk of colorectal cancer, but it is unclear whether the evidence is sufficient to recommend testing forthe mutation in clinical practice. Materials and
Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASES,Elsevier and Springer for relevant articles before Apr 2012. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidenceintervals (95% CIs) were calculated using a fixed-effects or random-effects models with Review Manager 5.0software.
Results: A total of seven studies including 4,029 cases and 13,844 controls based on the search criteriawere included for analysis. A significant association of the CHEK2 I157T C variant with unselected CRC wasfound (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.40–1.87, P < 0.001). We also found a significant association with sporadic CRC(OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.23–1.77, P < 0.001) and separately with familial CRC (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.41–2.74, P< 0.001).
Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates that the CHEK2 I157T variant may be another importantCRC-predisposing gene, which increases CRC risk, especially in familial CRC.