BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that the rs1800625 polymorphism in RAGE promoter region might be associated with cancer risk; however, data from different studies show conflicting results. Here, a meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the associations between RAGE rs1800625 polymorphism and cancer risk.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched Embase (Excerpt Medica Database), PubMed, and CNKI (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases until March 15, 2019 to identify potential studies for the meta-analysis.

RESULTS: Eighteen eligible studies were included in the current meta-analysis, representing 6246 cases and 6819 controls. Pooled analysis showed positive correlation between the RAGE rs1800625 polymorphism and susceptibility of cancer in recessive genetic model [CC versus TC+TT: odds ratio (OR)=1.397, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.031–1.894, P=0.031]. Subgroup analysis revealed this association in the Asian, but not Caucasian population, and this correlation was not detected in either breast or lung cancer. Sensitivity analysis indicated unstable results, which should be interpreted with caution. No publication bias was observed.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the RAGE rs1800625 polymorphism was associated with increased overall cancer risk in Asians in recessive genetic model. However, large-scale and well-designed studies in different populations and diverse cancer types are needed for a precise conclusion.

Keywords: Disease Susceptibility, Polymorphism, Genetic, Case-Control Studies, Gene Frequency, Genetic Association Studies, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases, Neoplasms, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide, Publication Bias, Risk Factors