Genetic variability of Xrcc3 and Rad51 modulates the risk of head and neck cancer

A case–control study was conducted to analyze the possible associations between the head and neck cancer (HNC) risk and fourteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in Xrcc3 and Rad51 genes. This study involved 81 HNC cases and 111 healthy control subjects. A significant risk-increasing effect of rs3212057 (p.Arg94His) SNP in Xrcc3 (OR = 6.6; p < 0.01) was observed. On the other hand, risk-decreasing effect was found for rs5030789 (g.3997A>G) and rs1801321 (c.−60G>T) in 5′ near gene and 5′UTR regions of Rad51, respectively (OR = 0.3 and OR = 0.2, p < 0.05, respectively). Moreover, these effects were shown to be modulated by tobacco-smoking status and gene–gene interactions. Concluding, the genetic variability of Xrcc3 and/or Rad51 genes might be of relevance with respect to HNC risk.

► We analyzed associations between head and neck cancer and Xrcc3 and Rad51.
► 81 HNC cases and 111 controls were involved.
► A significant risk-increasing effect of rs3212057 (p.Arg94His) in Xrcc3 was found.
► Risk-decreasing effect was found for rs5030789 and rs1801321 (172G/T) of Rad51.
► Effects are modulated by tobacco-smoking status and gene–gene interactions.