Impact of p73 gene polymorphism on cancer susceptibility: a meta analysis.

Previous studies examining the association between p73 G4A and gastric cancer risk have produced inconsistent results. The objective of this study was to clarify whether p73 G4A plays a major role in the development of gastric cancer. Studies that had examined the association between p73 G4A and gastric cancer risk were identified through PubMed, Science Direct, and CNKI. We selected eligible studies based on inclusion criteria. Odds ratios were estimated using distinct genetic models, and the heterogeneity between studies was explored using Cochran's Q statistic along with the I(2) statistic. Overall, we found no evidence of a significant association between p73 G4A and risk of gastric cancer. A same trend was also indicated in subgroup analysis by ethnicity. The heterogeneity tests revealed that there was no significant heterogeneity across studies. Our meta-analysis indicates that p73 G4A might not have a major effect on risk of gastric cancer. A much larger study is required to validate our findings.