Background: The association between the TERT rs2736100 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and cancer risk\r\nhas been studied by many researchers, but the results remain inconclusive. To further explore this association, we\r\nperformed a meta-analysis.\r\nMethods: A computerized search of PubMed and Embase database for publications on the TERT rs2736100\r\npolymorphism and cancer risk was performed and the genotype data were analyzed in a meta-analysis. Odds\r\nratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the association. Sensitivity analysis, test of\r\nheterogeneity, cumulative meta-analysis and assessment of bias were performed in our meta-analysis.\r\nResults: A significant association between the TERT rs2736100 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility was revealed\r\nby the results of the meta-analysis of the 25 case-control studies (GG versus TT: OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.58, 1.88; GT\r\nversus TT: OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.29, 1.47; dominant model-TG + GG versus TT: OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.37, 1.58; recessive\r\nmodel-GG versus TT + TG: OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.31, 1.43; additive model-2GG + TG versus 2TT + TG: OR = 1.30, 95%\r\nCI: 1.25, 1.36). Moreover, increased cancer risk in all genetic models was found after stratification of the SNP data\r\nby cancer type, ethnicity and source of controls.\r\nConclusions: In all genetic models, the association between the TERT rs2736100 polymorphism and cancer risk was\r\nsignificant. This meta-analysis suggests that the TERT rs2736100 polymorphism may be a risk factor for cancer.\r\nFurther functional studies between this polymorphism and cancer risk are warranted.
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