PTGS2-899G>C and prostate cancer risk: a population-based nested case-control study (ProtecT) and a systematic review with meta-analysis

Prostaglandin endoperoxidase synthase 2 is a key regulator of inflammation and may play a role in prostate carcinogenesis. The polymorphism, -899G>C (rs20417), alters a transcription factor-binding site and is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal adenoma. We tested the hypothesis that rs20417 may influence prostate cancer risk, using a large case-control study (n(cases) = 1608, n(controls) = 3058). We found no evidence that rs20417 alters prostate cancer risk (odds ratio (ORCC & GC v GG = 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91-1.20). A meta-analysis of three studies also found little evidence that rs20417 alters risk (pooled ORCC (& GC v GG) 1.04, 95% CI 0.93-1.17), making it unlikely that rs20417 contributes in any major way to prostate cancer aetiology. Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2009) 12, 296-300; doi: 10.1038/pcan.2009.18; published online 2 June 2009