BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess whether HIF-1α polymorphisms have an effect on the response to chemotherapy of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients treated with platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and radical surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study in 162 LACC patients. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α C1772T and G1790A genetic polymorphisms were ascertained using direct sequencing methods.

RESULTS: The C1772T polymorphism was significantly related to response to chemotherapy (P=0.002), and there was an increased chance of treatment response in patients with the C/C genotype (OR=4.7; 95% CI: 1.67–13.49; P=0.004). The C1772T polymorphism was also associated with poor tumor grade (adjusted OR, 2.98; 95% CI: 1.08–8.13; P=0.037). However, The G1790A polymorphism was not associated with response (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The C1772T polymorphism was significantly related to response to chemotherapy and poor tumor grade. Our results may help to better manage individual patients and to improve clinical decision making regarding use of NACT.

Keywords: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - therapeutic use, Biomarkers, Pharmacological, Chemotherapy, Adjuvant, Cisplatin - administration & dosage, Genetic Association Studies, Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit - metabolism, Neoadjuvant Therapy, Paclitaxel - administration & dosage, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - metabolism