The UGT2B17 gene deletion is not associated with prostate cancer risk

BACKGROUND. Deletion polymorphism of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B17 (UG'T2B17) gene has been associated with an increased prostate cancer risk in two previous independent studies. Here we determine the risk in a large-scale population-based case-control study. METHODS. Genotyping was conducted with a 5'-nuclease activity assay to distinguish those with one or two UGT2B17 gene copies (ins/del and ins/ins) from individuals homozygous for the deletion (del/del) allele. RESULTS. In contrast to previous findings, no association between the UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism and prostate cancer risk was found. Furthermore the UGT2B17 gene deletion did not affect the risk for prostate cancer specific death. CONCLUSION. The UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism does not play a major role in prostate cancer susceptibility as previously indicated.