GSTM1 null genotype is a risk factor for laryngeal cancer.

It remains unclear whether the Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) null genotype influence laryngeal cancer development. This study aimed to investigate the interactions among GSTM1 genotype with regard to laryngeal cancer development. We searched online electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE and CNKI). The strength of association between the GSTM1 genotype and laryngeal cancer risk was assessed by calculating OR with 95% CI. Finally, a total of 25 case-control studies with 2999 cases and 4942 controls on the association between GSTM1 genotype and laryngeal cancer risk were included in this meta-analysis. The overall result showed that the GSTM1 null genotype was related to an increased risk of laryngeal cancer (OR = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.09-1.63). Subgroup analysis was performed according to ethnicity. The results showed that Asians had an increased risk of laryngeal cancer (OR = 1.90; 95% CI, 1.40-2.57), while no significant increased risk was observed in Caucasians (OR = 1.15; 95% CI, 0.97-1.36). In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggested that GSTM1 null genotype was significantly associated with increased laryngeal cancer risk.