Association of DNA repair gene polymorphisms with the risk of radiation pneumonitis in lung cancer patients

A total of 149 lung cancer patients were recruited to receive intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The association of developing radiation pneumonitis (RP) with genetic polymorphism was evaluated. The risks of four polymorphic sites in three DNA repair related genes (ERCC1, rs116615:T354C and rs3212986:C1516A; ERCC2, rs13181:A2251C; XRCC1, rs25487:A1196G) for developing grade >= 2 RP were assessed respectively. It was observed that ERCC1 T354C SNP had a significant effect on the development of grade >= 2 RP (CT/TT vs. CC, adjusted HR = 0.517, 95% CI, 0.285-0.939; adjusted P = 0.030). It is the first time demonstrating that CT/TT genotype of ERCC1 354 was significantly associated with lower RP risk after radio therapy.