Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor rs6265 polymorphism is associated with severe cancer-related fatigue and neuropathic pain in female cancer survivors

PurposeThis study examined the relationships between a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 and psychoneurological (PN) symptoms in female cancer survivors.MethodsThis secondary analysis examined 393 study participants. In addition to demographic variables, self-reported PN symptom scores (anxiety, bodily pain, depression, fatigue, neuropathic pain, and sleep disturbance) were collected using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Buccal swab samples were collected to obtain genotypes for BDNF rs6265 (Val/Val, Val/Met, or Met/Met). The PN symptom scores were compared across genotypes, and the relationships were examined using a regression model. We also explored correlations between different symptoms within each genotype.ResultsParticipants with the Met/Met genotype reported significantly worse cancer-related fatigue and neuropathic pain, which was confirmed by rank-based regression analysis. In addition, cancer-related fatigue was correlated with other PN symptoms, particularly depression. These correlations were stronger in study participants with the Met/Met genotype than those with other genotypes.ConclusionOur study suggests that female cancer survivors with the Met/Met genotype of BDNF rs6265 are likely to experience worse cancer-related fatigue and neuropathic pain and that cancer-related fatigue is a good predictor of co-occurring PN symptoms in this population.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsOur findings advance the scientific community's understanding of cancer-related PN symptoms experienced by female cancer survivors, especially the unique role of BDNF rs6265 polymorphism in these symptoms. Our findings offer valuable insights for clinical practice that the symptom experience among female cancer survivors may vary based on BDNF genotypes.

Automated summary

This study explored the relationship between the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6265 of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and psychoneurological (PN) symptoms in female cancer survivors. The results showed that participants with the Met/Met genotype reported worse cancer-related fatigue and neuropathic pain, and that cancer-related fatigue was correlated with other PN symptoms, particularly depression. These correlations were stronger in participants with the Met/Met genotype. Therefore, the BDNF rs6265 genotype may influence the PN symptoms experienced by female cancer survivors.