Insulin-like growth factor I (Igf-1) gene polymorphism in patients with non-metastatic breast cancer

We aimed to assess the association between IGF-I gene (CA repeats) polymorphism in breast cancer patients and their clinicopathological features, as well as disease recurrence and survival. Seventy-six non-metastatic breast cancer patients were enrolled in the present study. The IGF-I (CA) repeats were studied with polymerase chain reaction by using proper primers belonging to these gene areas from DNA samples. Results show that the non 19- non 19 homozygote were more common in patients without lymph node involvement (p = 0.04), with low histological grade (p = 0.04), with positive hormone receptor status (p = 0.01), and in patients without recurrence (p = 0.06). These results suggest that the non 19-non 19 carriers have some favorable prognostic factors, and IGF-I gene polymorphism (CA repeats) may affect disease recurrence and overall survival.

► We evaluate the distribution of IGF-I gene polymorphism in breast cancer patients.
► We assess the association between IGF-I gene polymorphism and prognostic factors.
► IGF-I gene polymorphism may affect prognostic factors and overall survival.