Association of codon 72 polymorphism of p53 with lower prostate cancer risk

BACKGROUND. A common germline polymorphism of p53 produces a protein with an Arg to Pro change at codon 72. This Pro variant has altered biochemical properties suggesting altered cancer susceptibility. METHODS. A case control study with 115 men with prostate cancer and 181 community control male subjects was conducted. Demographics, family history of cancer, and blood were obtained. Codon 72 genotypes were determined using PCR. RESULTS. The Pro/Pro genotype was associated with a markedly lower risk of prostate cancer (OR = 0.23, CI = 0.07-0.79, P = 0.012). Similar reduction in risk was observed when the analysis was limited to Caucasian subjects (86% of total). Reduction in risk remained significant in a logistic regression model after correcting for age and family history of prostate cancer (OR = 0.14, CI = 0.03-0.71, P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS. Men with the p53 codon 72 Pro/Pro genotype appear to be at reduced risk of prostate cancer.