Meta-analysis on the association between CYP2D6*10 gene polymorphism and disease free survival of breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen treatment in Asia

Abstract

Literatures about case-control study on the association between CYP2D6*10 gene polymorphism and breast cancer were searched from last updated on May, 2014. Odds ratio of CYP2D6*10 gene distributions in breast cancer patients against healthy control were analyzed. STATA 12 software was applied for investigating hereogeneity among individual studies and summarizing effects across studies by proper statistical methods. A total of 812 cases (case group) and 323 cases (control group) were included. Disease free survival of breast cancer patients with CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous and heterozygous is higher than that of CYP2D6*10/*10 patients after the tamoxifen treatment, with statistical significance. Disease free survival of breast cancer patients with CYP2D6*10/*10 gene is similar to those with other genotypes after the tamoxifen treatment. This study demonstrated that CYP2D6*10 genotype is unlikely to have any clinical significance for prognosis of breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen alone.

Introduction

Breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer diagnosed among women in China, and it was estimated that approximately 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer in 2013. The American Cancer Society projected around 39,620 breast cancer related-deaths in 2013 (Li et al., 2012). In the past three decades, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer (Ross et al., 2010). However, breast cancer is a complex disease entity with different biological characteristics and clinical behavior. Many studies showed that there are no treatment guidelines for triple-negative breast cancer.

Tamoxifen (TAM) is an important drug for treatment of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and/or progesterone receptor (PgR)-positive breast cancers, TAM, the first selective estrogen receptor modulators approved for the treatment of breast cancer (Serlin et al., 2011) has been used widely as a standard treatment for breast cancers (Tong et al., 2009). Adjuvant endocrine therapy is an important way of comprehensive treatment for breast cancer, and chemotherapy for breast cancer is closely associated with hormone levels of the body. TAM is non-synthetic antiestrogen, which is basic drug in adjuvant endocrine therapy for breast cancer (Li et al., 2014).

CYP2D6 is the key enzyme for the generation of endoxifen by catalyzing TAM. Because variant allele of CYP2D6 causes the decline in enzyme activity, the treatment and the prevention effects of TAM adjuvant therapy are decreased for breast cancer patients. It can be found that endoxifen blood concentrations of heterozygotes and homozygotes of CYP2D6*3, CYP2D6*4, CYP2D6*5 and CYP2D6*6 are 55% and 25% of wild-type individuals respectively (Lin et al., 2011). No significant difference exists between TAM and 4-hydroxytamoxifen (HTAM). Endoxifen blood concen-tration of the patient with CYP2D6 gene enzymes defect decreases (Lee et al., 2010; Li et al., 2014). Endoxifen concentration in ultra-rapid metabolizer is significantly higher than that in the patient with other genotypes; the intermediary metabolism active heterozygous endoxifen concentration of CYP2D6*4 or CYP2D6*10 is higher than other chronic metabolic genotypes; endoxifen concentration shows in consistence with gradient phenomenon of genotype (Chang et al., 2013). The most common mutation of CYP2D6 is CYP2D6*10 in Chinese people, and the mutation rate is 57%. The decline of enzyme activity is caused by mutation.

Many studies have described the association between CYP2D6*10 gene polymorphism and disease free survival (DFS) of breast cancer patients receiving TAM treatment. However, the results remain controversial. However, the results remain controversial. Here we reviewed studies reporting the association between CYP2D6*10 gene polymorphism and DFS of breast cancer patients receiving TAM treatment among Asians.

Materials and Methods

Literature search

Literatures were identified by an electronic search on Embase, Pubmed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and the Cochrane Library with a combination of the following key words: ‘breast cancer’, ‘tamoxifen’, ‘CYP2D6*10 gene’, ‘CYP2D6*10 polymorphisms’ or ‘CYP2D6*10 gene polymorphisms’ (last updated on August, 2014). We estimated possibly relevant genetic association studies by censoring their titles and abstracts, and all published studies matching with the qualified criteria were recovered.

Study selection

For purpose of minimize heterogeneity and facilitate the appropriate interpretation and comprehending of the findings, studies were included in the meta-analysis if they had to meet the following inclusion criteria: (1) we appraised the potential combination between CYP2D6*10 polymorphism and TAM; (2) we were case-control studies (CCS); (3) gene polymorphism were available for cases and controls toward evaluate an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence inter-val (CI); (4) the distribution of genes in the control group was in line with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE).

Data extraction

Two authors managed the literature searching, studied choice, and extracted data independently. Disagreement was resolved by discussion. The abstracted data included title and authors of study, study size, age, year of publication, details of methodological message, sex of the participants, name, specifics of the control interventions, genotype of the CYP2D6*10 polymorphisms in cases and controls, treatment process, outcomes and adverse reaction for every research. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion to reach a consensus and were arbitrated by a third party when necessary.

Statistical analysis

Meta-analysis was performed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The pooled OR and 95% CI were used to assess efficacy and safety endpoints. Heterogeneity was analyzed using the I2 statistic: I2 = 100% × (Q-df)/Q. I2 of 0–25% was considered to not have heterogeneity; I2 of 25–50% may represent low heterogeneity; I2 of 50–75% may represent moderate heterogeneity; and I2 of 75–100% indicate high heterogeneity (Li et al., 2014). When No heterogeneity or low heterogeneity was present, the fixed effects model was used for meta-analysis. When moderate heterogeneity or high heterogeneity was present, the random effects model was used for meta-analysis. Data was summarized using OR with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for binary outcomes. Publication bias was explored by way of a funnel-plot analysis (Shieh et al., 2011; Xiao et al., 2014). Missing or lost count data should be counted as treatment failure cases. OR, tests for heterogeneity, and forest plots for the relevant comparisons were performed using STATA 12. Tests for heterogeneity, and forest plots for the relevant comparisons were performed using STATA 12 with Beggr’s bias test and Egger’s bias test, with p≤0.05 indicating potential bias.

Results

Description of studies

We searched 304 documents from the 4 databases. 326 studies were eliminated by way of the title and abstract. The question/random method of 19 studies were not correct by reading full text. 25 studies without the inclusion criteria were eliminated by reading abstract. 15 studies were eliminated for duplicated publications. Finally fulltext papers of 9 studies (Cai et al., 2014; Huang et al., 2013; Li et al., 2014; Malarde et al., 2014; Mao et al., 2014; Saracoglu et al., 2012; Wang et al., 2014; Wang et al., 2013; Zhu et al., 2007) were searched from all the citations. A flow chart described the search method and study chose (Figure 1).

General characteristics of included reviews

These 9 CCS included 1135 patients. There were 812 patients of case group and 323 patients of control group in all the included studies. The average number of case group was 90.2 cases and control group was 35.9 cases. The largest number was 257 cases and the least number was 47 cases in all the included studies. The study population of 5 studies (5/9) was ≥100 cases. The features of included studies were cataloged in Table I.

Meta-analysis results

DFS of CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous and heterozygous vs CYP2D6*10/*10

The nine trials evaluated the 5 years-DFS of breast cancer after the TAM treatment (1135 patients). I² statistic of heterogeneity was definite significant in these studies (I² =78.7%, p=0.000). A ran-dom effects model (REM) was performed on outcome measurements. The potential sources of heterogeneity may caused by the clinical heterogeneity, such as patients from different states or the different treatment durations. This did not result in a change of the statistical significance between the effects of REM and that of fixed effects model (FEM). The result of REM (OR=2.84, 95% CI [1.20, 6.70], p=0.018) compared to that of FEM (OR=3.80, 95% CI [2.75, 5.25], p=0.000). The results showed, the 5 years DFS of breast cancer patients with CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous and heterozygous is slightly higher than that of CYP2D6*10/*10 patients after the TAM treatment, with statistical significance (Figure 2A).

The five trials evaluated the 10 years-DFS of breast cancer after the TAM treatment (675 patients). I² statistic of heterogeneity was definite significant in these studies (I² = 76.7%, p=0.001). REM was performed on outcome measurements. The potential sources of heterogeneity may caused by the clinical heterogeneity, such as patients from different states or the different treatment durations. This did not result in a change of the statistical significance between the effects of REM and that of FEM. The result of REM (OR=2.87, 95% CI [1.12, 7.34], p=0.028) compared to that of FEM (OR=2.54, 95% CI [1.65, 3.64], p=0.000). The results showed, the 10 years DFS of breast cancer patients with CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous and heterozygous is higher than that of CYP2D6*10/*10 patients after the TAM treatment, with statistical significance (Figure 2B).

DFS of CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous vs CYP2D6*10 wild-type heterozygous:

The five trials evaluated the 5 years-DFS of breast cancer patients after the TAM treatment (459 patients). I² statistic of heterogeneity was not significant in these studies (I² =35%, p=0.203). FEM was performed on outcome measurements. The results showed, the 5 years DFS of breast cancer patients with CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous is slightly lower than that of wild-type heterozygous patients (OR=0.85, 95% CI [0.48, 1.50], p=0.571) after the TAM treatment, without statistical significance (Figure 3A).

The five trials evaluated the 10 years-DFS of breast cancer patients after the TAM treatment (310 patients). I² statistic of heterogeneity was a little significant in these studies (I² = 59.5%, p=0.085). REM was performed on outcome measurements. The potential sources of heterogeneity may caused by the clinical heterogeneity, such as patients from different states or the different treatment durations. This did not result in a change of the statistical significance between the effects of REM and that of FEM. The result of REM (OR=1.292, 95% CI [0.51, 3.29], p=0.591) compared to that of FEM (OR=1.20, 95% CI [0.73, 1.96], p=0.470). The results showed, the 10 years DFS of breast cancer patients with CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous is similar to that of wild-type heterozygous patients after the TAM treatment, without statistical significance (Figure 3B).

DFS of CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous vs CYP2D6*10/*10

The five trials evaluated the 5 years-DFS of breast cancer patients after the TAM treatment (318 patients). I² statistic of heterogeneity was not significant in these studies (I² = 6.2%, p=0.371). FEM was performed on outcome measurements. The results showed, the 5 years DFS of breast cancer patients with CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous is slightly lower than that of CYP2D6*10/*10 patients (OR=0.931, 95% CI [0.46, 1.87], p=0.842) after the TAM treatment after the TAM treatment, without statistical significance (Figure 4A).

The five trials evaluated the 10 years-DFS of breast cancer patients after the TAM treatment (289 patients). I² statistic of heterogeneity was definite significant in these studies (I² =81.5%, p=0.004). FEM was performed on outcome measurements. The potential sources of heterogeneity may caused by the clinical heterogeneity, such as patients from different states or the different treatment durations. This did not result in a change of the statistical significance between the effects of REM and that of FEM. The result of REM (OR = 1.81, 95% CI [0.35, 9.24], p=0.477) compared to that of FEM (OR=1.37, 95% CI [0.76, 2.47], p=0.291). The results showed, the 10 years DFS of breast cancer patients with CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous is slightly higher than that of CYP2D6*10/*10 patients after the TAM treatment, without statistical significance (Figure 4B).

DFS of CYP2D6*10 wild-type heterozygous vs CYP2D6*10/*10

The five trials evaluated the 10 years-DFS of breast cancer patients after the TAM treatment (333 patients). I² statistic of heterogeneity was not significant in these studies (I² =0%, p=0.417). FEM was performed on outcome measurements. The results showed, the 5 years DFS of breast cancer patients with CYP2D6*10 wild-type heterozygous is similar to that of CYP2D6*10/*10 patients (OR=1.395, 95% CI [0.74, 2.64], p=0.306) after the TAM treatment, without statistical significance (Figure 5A).

The five trials evaluated the 10 years-DFS of breast cancer patients after the TAM treatment (333 patients). I² statistic of heterogeneity was not significant in these studies (I² = 19.2%, p=0.294). FEM was performed on outcome measurements. The results showed, the 10 years OS of breast cancer patients CYP2D6*10 wild-type heterozygous is similar to that of CYP2D6*10/*10 patients (OR=1.288, 95% CI [0.76, 2.19], p=0.348) after the TAM treatment, without statistical significance (Figure 5B).

Adverse reaction

Two articles reported to the adverse reactions in this study, included bone mineral density, endometrial thickness, hot flashes and total cholesterol. These adverse reactions did not appear the serious fatal report.

Sensitivity analysis

In the meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the degree that one individual study involved was deleted each time to reflect the influence of the individual data-set to the pooled OR. As stated above, the corresponding pooled OR were not materially altered, indicating that our results were statistically robust.

Evaluation of publication bias

The shape of the funnel Begg’s plot for the homozygote comparison appeared to some asymmetry and no obvious bias in this meta-analysis, suggesting the possibility of publication bias (Figure 6). Publication bias was assessed by Begg’s test and Egger’s test (Figure 6; Table II). It showed a potential publication bias might caused by a language bias, inflated estimates by a flawed methodological design in smaller studies, and/or a lack of publication of small trials with opposite results.

Discussion

The catalytic activity of CYP2D6*1/*10 on HTAM is higher than that of CYP2D6*10/*10. Some adverse reactions may be caused by the gene polymorphism of CYP2D6 during TAM-treatment (Chen et al., 2014). These studies have shown that the breast cancer patients that receive TAM adjuvant therapy have increased incidence of adverse reactions such as cancer recurrence and flushing. The DFS for a patient of CYP2D6 G/A (1846G> A) and T/T (100C> T) is 22.7 months (Chang et al., 2013). The gene mutation of CYP2D6 can cause changes in the activity and quantity of the enzyme, resulting in the differences in specific drug metabolism and efficacy of human. Among Asian breast cancer patients, CYP2D6*10 is considered to be of relatively higher mutation frequency to reduce the expressive activity of metabolic enzymes.

Besides, it is found that the DFS of the patients with CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous has a statistically significant relationship with CYP2D6*10 wild-type heterozygous, but there is no difference with the CYP2D6*10/*10 genotype. The breast cancer patients with CYP2D6*10/*10 genotype had significantly worse DFS than those with the CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous and wild-type homozygous genotype (Shi et al., 2014). Patients with CYP2D6*10/*10 and CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous showed significant-ly shorter survival rate when compared to those with CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous.

Meta-analysis has been applied in this paper for the first time to make a comprehensive quantitative assessment on the relationship between CYP2D6*10 with the DFS of breast cancer patient after TAM treatment. It has been found from the meta analysis that the 5 years DFS of breast cancer patients with CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous and heterozygous is slightly higher than that of CYP2D6*10/*10 patients after the TAM treatment, with statistical significance; the 10 years DFS of breast cancer patients with CYP2D6*10 wild-type homozygous and heterozygous is higher than that of CYP2D6*10/*10 patients after the TAM treatment, with statistical significance. But, DFS of breast cancer patients with CYP2D6*10/*10 gene is similar to those with other genotypes after the TAM treatment.

Due to the variance in the race of researchers in research centers, the variance in the experimental design, the variance in patient-selection criteria and the variance in sample size, etc., so that there is obvious controversy on the relevant findings of this polymor-phism and the overall survival rate of breast cancer patients after TAM treatment (Renugadevi et al., 2010). From the comprehensive analysis on previous studies in accordance with the inclusion standard, it is found that both genotype and allele level of gene polymorphism of CYP2D6*10 may increase the risk extent in the TAM therapy for the Oriental patients. At the same time, due to genetic factors of different races and ethnic groups, only Oriental people are selected as the researching objects in this study to minimize popula-tion stratification bias.

Based on the combination of the results, it can be seen that the conclusion of meta-analysis is the same, while the difference is more significant, thus proving the validity of this conclusion further. Of course, the results of the meta-analysis may be influenced by publication bias, confounding factors and so on, which is mainly because the published literature are readily available, and it is easy to publish positive results. These reasons may interfere with the final evaluation of meta-analysis (Yen et al., 2009). Due to limitations of this study, only the published literature can be collected, which cannot be excluded as the potential influential element for the results of this study (Pari et al., 2006). However, accor-ding to funnel plot and B, E analysis, the possibility of suggesting publication bias is small, indicating that the approach quality of research included in the study for the oriental population is high, and the general results included in this study are reliable.

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