Evidence of association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene and susceptibility to breast cancer: a candidate-gene association study in a South-eastern European population

Strong Correlation of MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms with Breast Cancer and its Prognostic Clinical Factors among Egyptian Females

Introduction:

Globally, Breast cancer (BC) is considered the second most common type of cancer and the principal cause of death among affected women. Aim: In this study, we targeted to demonstrate the association of MTHFR single gene polymorphisms (SNPs) with the susceptibility of breast cancer, in addition to its correlation with the clinical patient features.

Patients and Methods:

This work was conducted on 100 Egyptian females with breast cancer and 60 healthy matched controls. Clinical examinations and pathological investigations were recorded. Genotyping of MTHFR polymorphisms C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131) by using Restriction Fragment length Polymorphisms (RFLP) and Sequencing assays were performed. Univariate, Multivariate and Haplotype analysis for the allelic frequencies and the association with clinicopathological features of BC were assessed.

Results:

The present data showed a strong significant association between the CT and TT of MTHFR (C677T), and AC and CC of (A1289C) with the susceptibility of BC showing highly statistical P- value (0.001). It was also demonstrated that the most frequent haplotype of the two loci of MTHFR (rs1801133-rs1801131) was TC. The latter was strongly associated with the aggressive clinical features of each of tumor size, advanced stage, involvement of cancer in lymph nodes, overexpression of HER2neu and dual negativity of both ER and PR hormones.

Conclusions:

SNPs within the MTHFR gene (C677T) and (A1289C) have strong correlation with BC among Egyptian females; These SNPs should be considered as important prognostic markers for identifying the individuals at high risk of developing BC and its progression.

Association Analysis of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Common Gene Polymorphisms with Breast Cancer Risk in an Iranian Population: A Case-Control Study and a Stratified Analysis

Genetic polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene may alter the risk of breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the association of MTHFR C677T and A1298C genetic polymorphisms with breast cancer risk in case-control studies which was followed by stratified analysis. In the case-control study, 300 subjects including 150 women with breast cancer and 150 healthy women were enrolled. After blood sample collection, the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms genotyping were done by the PCR-RFLP method. Our data revealed a significant association between MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and breast cancer risk. But, as a preliminary study, stratified analysis revealed no significant association between C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and tumor size and also lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. According to the mentioned findings, the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene could be molecular risk factors for breast cancer in our studied population. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are required to obtain a more accurate conclusion in stratified analysis.

Association of Intake Folate and Related Gene Polymorphisms with Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women worldwide and is associated with a variety of risk factors. Folate and vitamin B₁₂ are key elements of the one-carbon metabolism pathway where methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) plays a significant role. Though many molecular and epidemiological studies have been performed to explore the relationship between intake folate, vitamin B₁₂, MTHFR gene polymorphism and breast cancer risk, there is no consensus to date. By reviewing the relevant literatures and summarizing the potential effect of dietary folate intake on MTHFR genes polymorphism and breast cancer risk, we conclude that MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism is associated with breast cancer risk among Asian, but not Caucasians, and the MTHFR A1298C gene polymorphism is not a susceptibility factor of breast cancers. Concomitant low activity of MTHFR enzyme resulted from C677T gene polymorphism and low dietary folate intake is associated with increased breast cancer risk.

Genetics of breast cancer in African populations: a literature review

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most complex, diverse and leading cause of death in women worldwide. The present investigation aims to explore genes panel associated with BC in different African regions, and compare them to those studied worldwide.

We extracted relevant information from 43 studies performed in Africa using the following criteria: case-control study, association between genetic variations and BC risk. Data were provided on mutations and polymorphisms associated with BC without fixing a specific date. Case-only studies and clinical trials were excluded.

Our study revealed that the majority of African BC genetic studies remain restricted to the investigation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and differences in their mutations spectrum. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage African researchers to characterize more genes involved in BC using methods generating global information such as next-generation sequencing in order to guide specific and more effective therapeutic strategies for the African community.

Significant association between ERCC2 and MTHR polymorphisms and breast cancer susceptibility in Moroccan population: genotype and haplotype analysis in a case-control study

Background

Genetic determinants of breast cancer (BC) remained largely unknown in the majority of Moroccan patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the association of ERCC2 and MTHFR polymorphisms with genetic susceptibility to breast cancer in Moroccan population.

Methods

We genotyped ERCC2 polymorphisms (rs1799793 (G934A) and rs13181 (A2251C)) and MTHFR polymorphisms (rs1801133 (C677T) and rs1801131 (A1298C)) using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Genotypes were compared in 151 BC cases and 156 population-matched controls. Allelic, genotypic and haplotype associations with the risk and clinicopathological features of BC were assessed using logistic regression analyses.

Results

ERCC2-rs1799793-AA genotype was associated with high risk of BC compared to wild type genotype (recessive model: OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.34–6.26, p = 0.0069) even after Bonferroni correction (p < 0,0125). MTHFR rs1801133-TT genotype was associated with increased risk of BC (recessive model, OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.17–5.29, p = 0.017) but the association turned insignificant after Bonferroni correction. For the rest of SNPs, no statistical associations to BC risk were detected.

Significant association with clinical features was detected for MTHFR-rs1801133-TC genotype with early age at diagnosis and familial BC. Following Bonferroni correction, only association with familial BC remained significant. MTHFR-rs1801131-CC genotype was associated with sporadic BC. ERCC2-rs1799793-AA genotype correlated with ER+ and PR+ breast cancer. ERCC2-rs13181-CA genotype was significantly associated large tumors (T ≥ 3) in BC patients. None of these associations passed Bonferroni correction.

Haplotype analysis showed that ERCC2 A-C haplotype was significantly associated with increased BC risk (OR: 3.71, 95% CI: 1.7–8.12, p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0008 before and after Bonferroni correction, respectively) and positive expression of ER and PR in BC patients. ERCC2 G-C haplotype was correlated with PR negative and larger tumor (T4). We did not find any MTHFR haplotypes associated with BC susceptibility. However, the less common haplotype MTHFR T-C was more frequent in young patients and in familial breast cancer, while MTHFR C-C haplotype was associated with sporadic BC form.

Conclusions

Our findings are a first observation of association between ERCC2 SNPs and breast cancer in Moroccan population. The results suggested that ERCC2 and MTHFR polymorphisms may be reliable for assessing risk and prognosis of BC in Moroccan population.

Associations between C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of MTHFR and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Methylenetetrahydrofolatereductase (MTHFR) is an important enzyme involved in folate metabolism and DNA synthesis. Although a number of studies have examined the association of the MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the conclusions are controversial. A comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI and Wanfang databases was conducted for relevant studies on the association between MTHFR polymorphisms and RA risk. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed- and random-effect models. In total, 1854 cases and 1689 controls from 12 studies and 1525 cases and 1455 controls from 10 studies were included for the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms, respectively. Pooled results indicated that both C677T and A1298C polymorphisms were associated with RA susceptibility (C677T: TT vs. CC, OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.02-1.67, P = 0.032; TC vs. CC, OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.02-1.70, P = 0.032; TT + TC vs. CC, OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.07-1.78, P = 0.014; T vs. C, OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.06-1.57, P = 0.011; A1298C: CC vs. CA + AA: OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.20-2.06, P = 0.001). Further stratification based on ethnicity and geographic region indicated an association between the MTHFR C677T SNP and the risk of RA in Caucasian and patients in Africa. However, there is no evidence of significant association between A1298C polymorphism and RA risk in Caucasian or population in Africa. This meta-analysis indicates that MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms could be predictors of risk of RA and warrants validation in large and well-designed prospective studies.

Lack of association between the MTHFRC677T polymorphism and lung cancer in a Turkish population

BACKGROUND

In this case-control study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and lung cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total 200 individuals including 100 patients with lung cancer and 100 controls were analyzed. Genotyping of MTHFR C677T was performed using PCR and RFLP methods.

RESULTS

The majority of the patients were men and 90% were smokers. We found that the risk ratio for development of LC was 13-times higher in smokers compared with non-smokers between patient and control groups in our study (OR:13.5, 95%CI:6.27-29.04, p:0.0001). Besides, the risk ratio for development of LC was nine times higher in individuals with cancer history in their family than those without cancer history (OR:9.65, 95%CI: 2.79-33.36; p:0.0001). When genotype distributions and allele frequencies were analyzed in the study groups, no significant difference was apparent (χ2:0.53, p=0.76). In addition, no correlation between genotypes of MTHFRC677T polymorphism and histological type of LC was found (χ2:0.99, p=0.60).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that there was no association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and lung cancer in the Turkish population.

Association between MTHFR gene 1298A>C polymorphism and breast cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis based on 38 case-control studies with 40,985 subjects

Background

Studies investigating the association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene 1298A>C polymorphism and the risk of breast cancer have reported inconsistent results. So, we performed this updated meta-analysis and tried to give a more precise estimation of association between MTHFR gene 1298A>C polymorphism and breast cancer susceptibility.

Methods

Relevant studies published before 1 January 2016 were identified by searching PubMed and EMBASE. The strength of relationship between the MTHFR gene 1298A>C polymorphism and breast cancer susceptibility was assessed using odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI). The meta-analysis was performed using Stata 11.0 software.

Results

A total number of 38 case-control studies including 18,686 cases and 22,299 controls were identified. No association was found in five genetic models (dominant model: OR = 0.99, 95 % CI 0.99–1.00, P = 0.218; recessive model: OR = 1.00, 95 % CI 0.97–1.02, P = 0.880; homozygote genetic model: OR = 0.99, 95 % CI 0.98–1.01, P = 0.390; heterozygote genetic model: OR = 0.99, 95 % CI 0.97–1.00, P = 0.138; and allele contrast genetic model: OR = 0.99, 95 % CI 0.98–1.01) for MTHFR gene 1298 A>C polymorphism and breast cancer susceptibility. In the subgroup analysis stratified by source of control, decreased risk of breast cancer was found in studies with hospital-based controls in dominant model (OR = 0.98, 95 % CI 0.96–1.00, P = 0.037).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggested that there is no significant association between MTHFR gene 1298A>C polymorphism and breast cancer susceptibility for overall population.

ASSOCIATION OF MTHFR A1298C POLYMORPHISM WITH BREAST CANCER AND/OR OVARIAN CANCER RISK: AN UPDATED META-ANALYSIS

BACKGROUND

Recent years have witnessed the discovery of similar gene variations between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, inherited breast and ovarian cancer in particular. A large number of case-control studies have been conducted to explore the association of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) A1298C polymorphism with breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer risk. However, the results are still inconsistent and inconclusive. Consequently, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and breast, ovarian cancer risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive retrieval was conducted in the electronic database of PubMed, Web of Science and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) until June 2015 to identify eligible studies. A total of 35 studies which examined the association of MTHFR A1298C polymorphism with breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer were identified. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the effect of gene polymorphism. And allele model, homozygous model, co-dominant model, dominant model, recessive model were applied.

RESULT

In the overall analysis, significantly increased breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer risk was found (for allele model A VS C OR = 1.05, CI: 1.02-1.08, P = 4χ10-3; for homozygous model AA VS CC OR = 1.11, CI: 1.03-1.19, P = 5χ10-3; for recessive model (AC +AA) VS CC: OR = 1.10, CI: 1.03-1.18, P = 7χ10-3).

CONCLUSION

In the subgroup analysis, significantly increased breast cancer risk was identified among Caucasians. MTHFR A1298C polymorphism might contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer susceptibility. In addition, MTHFR A1298C polymorphism had a significant association with breast cancer in Caucasians.

MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism and the risk of breast cancer: evidence from an original study and pooled data for 28031 cases and 31880 controls

BACKGROUND

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) acts at an important metabolic point in the regulation of cellular methylation reaction. It assists in the conversion of 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. The latter aids in remethylation of homocysteine to de novo methionine that is required for DNA synthesis. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of MTHFR 677 C>T polymorphism on the risk of breast cancer in the Indian sub-continent.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We genotyped 677 C>T locus in 1096 individuals that were classified into cases (N=588) and controls (N=508). Genotype data were analyzed using chi-square test. No significant difference was observed in the distribution of genotypes between cases and controls in north Indian (P = 0.932), south Indian (P = 0.865), and pooled data (P = 0.680). To develop a consensus regarding the impact of 677C>T polymorphism on breast cancer risk, we also conducted a meta-analysis on 28031 cases and 31880 controls that were pooled from sixty one studies. The overall summary estimate upon meta-analysis suggested no significant correlation between the 677C>T substitution and breast cancer in the dominant model (Fixed effect model: OR = 0.97, P=0.072, Random effects model: OR = 0.96, P = 0.084) or the recessive model (Fixed effect model: OR = 1.05, P = 0.089; Random effects model: OR= 1.08, P= 0.067).

CONCLUSION

677 C>T substitution does not affect breast cancer risk in the Indo-European and Dravidian populations of India. Analysis on pooled data further ruled out association between the 677 C>T polymorphism and breast cancer. Therefore, 677 C>T substitution does not appear to influence the risk of breast cancer.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase A1298C Polymorphism and Breast Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis of 33 Studies

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme is essential for DNA synthesis and DNA methylation, and its gene polymorphisms have been implicated as risk factors for birth defects, neurological disorders, and different types of cancers. Several studies have investigated the association between the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and breast cancer (BC) risk, but the results were inconclusive. To assess the risk associated with MTHFR A1298C polymorphism, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed. PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier and Springer Link databases were searched for case-control studies relating the association between MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and BC risk and estimated summary odds ratios (ORs) with confidence intervals (CIs) for assessment. Up to January 2014, 33 case-control studies involving 15,919 BC patients and 19,700 controls were included in the present meta-analysis. The results showed that the A1298C polymorphism was not associated with BC risk in all the five genetic models (C vs. A allele (allele contrast): OR = 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93–1.05; AC versus AA (heterozygote/codominant): OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.89–1.04; CC versus AA (homozygote): OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.91–1.06; CC + AC versus AA (dominant model): OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.90–1.05; and CC versus AC + AA (recessive model): OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.91–1.07). The present meta-analysis did not support any association between the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and BC risk.

A meta-analysis of genotypes and haplotypes of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms in breast cancer

The association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms and breast cancer risk has been extensively explored, but their results are conflicting rather than conclusive. To derive a more precise estimation, we carried out not only an updated meta-analysis but also a combined analysis based on all the available studies estimating the association between MTHFR C677T and/or A1298C and breast cancer risk. With respect to C677T polymorphism, the results suggested that 677T allele was associated with significantly elevated breast cancer risk in overall analysis (T vs. C: OR 1.073, 95 % CI 1.028-1.120; TT vs. CC: OR 1.177, 95 % CI 1.072-1.293; TT vs. CC + CT: OR 1.175, 95 % CI 1.073-1.288); Stratifying by ethnicity, significantly increased risk was only found in East Asians (T vs. C: OR 1.150, 95 % CI 1.039-1.273; TT vs. CC: OR 1.441, 95 % CI 1.145-1.814; TT vs. CC + CT: OR 1.413, 95 % CI 1.148-1.739); When stratified by menopausal status, statistically significant association was found for postmenopausal women (CT + TT vs. CC: OR 1.092, 95 % CI 1.011-1.179). In regard to A1298C polymorphism, no significant associations were found between the polymorphism and breast cancer risk. With respect to MTHFR haplotypes, significantly elevated breast cancer risk was associated with 677T-1298C for overall result (OR 1.498, 95 % CI 1.143-1.962) and for Caucasians (OR 2.088, 95 % CI 1.277-3.416) when compared with 677C-1298A; Haplotype 677C-1298C might provide higher protection than 677C-1298A in East Asians (OR 0.840, 95 % CI 0.742-0.949). The combined genotypes for C677T and A1298C produced a significant OR for the 677TT/1298AC relative to 677CC/1298AA in overall population (OR 2.047, 95 % CI 1.275-3.288); When stratified by ethnicity, significant ORs were only found for East Asians (677CC/1298CC vs. 677CC/1298AA: OR 0.686, 95 % CI 0.478-0.985; 677TT/1298AC vs. 677CC/1298AA: OR 2.181, 95 % CI 1.179-4.035). The findings suggest that the MTHFR C677T polymorphism but not A1298C, and some variants on their combined genotypes or haplotypes may be involved with the development of breast cancer.

Association of 677 C>T (rs1801133) and 1298 A>C (rs1801131) polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene and breast cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis based on 57 individual studies

OBJECTIVE

The 677 C>T and 1298 A>C polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene have been widely reported and considered to have a significant effect on breast cancer risk, but the results are inconsistent. A meta-analysis based on 57 eligible studies was carried out to clarify the role of MTHFR gene polymorphisms in breast cancer.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eligible articles were identified by searching databases including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CNKI and CBM for the period up to August 2012. Finally, a total of 57 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Crude ORs with 95% CIs were used to assess the association between the MTHFR polymorphisms and breast cancer risk. The pooled ORs were performed with additive model, dominant model and recessive model, respectively. Subgroup analysis was also performed by ethnicity. The statistical heterogeneity across studies was examined with χ2-based Q-test. A meta-analysis was performed using the Stata 12.0 software. Overall, the 677 C allele was significantly associated with breast cancer risk (OR = 0.942, 95%CI = 0.898 to 0.988) when compared with the 677 T allele in the additive model, and the same results were also revealed under other genetic models. Simultaneously, the 1298 A allele was not associated with the breast cancer susceptibility when compared with the 1298 C allele (OR = 0.993, 95%CI = 0.978 to 1.009). Furthermore, analyses under the dominant, recessive and the allele contrast model yielded similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this meta-analysis suggest that 677 C>T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene may contribute to breast cancer development. However, the 1298 A>C polymorphism is not significantly associated with increased risks of breast cancer.

Cardiovascular events are not associated with MTHFR polymorphisms, but are associated with methotrexate use and traditional risk factors in US veterans with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) have been associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) events in non-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) populations. We investigated potential associations of MTHFR polymorphisms and use of methotrexate (MTX) with time-to-CV event in data from the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) registry.

METHODS

VARA participants were genotyped for MTHFR polymorphisms. Variables included demographic information, baseline comorbidities, RA duration, autoantibody status, and disease activity. Patients' comorbidities and outcome variables were defined using International Classification of Diseases-9 and Current Procedural Terminology codes. The combined CV event outcome included myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and stroke. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to model the time-to-CV event.

RESULTS

Data were available for 1047 subjects. Post-enrollment CV events occurred in 97 patients (9.26%). Although there was a trend toward reduced risk of CV events, MTHFR polymorphisms were not significantly associated with time-to-CV event. Time-to-CV event was associated with prior stroke (HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.03-3.90), prior MI (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.06-2.71), hyperlipidemia (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.01-2.43), and increased modified Charlson-Deyo index (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.13-1.34). MTX use (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.44-0.99) and increasing education (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80-0.95) were associated with a lower risk for CV events.

CONCLUSION

Although MTHFR polymorphisms were previously associated with CV events in non-RA populations, we found only a trend toward decreased association with CV events in RA. Traditional risk factors conferred substantial CV risk, while MTX use and increasing years of education were protective.

Lack of association between MHTFR Glu429Ala polymorphism and breast cancer susceptibility: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 research studies

The association between MHTFR Glu429Val polymorphism and breast cancer risk are inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. A total of 29 studies including 8,649 cases and 18,672 controls were involved in this meta-analysis. Overall, no significant associations were found between MTHFR Glu429Ala polymorphism and breast cancer risk when all studies were pooled into the meta-analysis (Glu/Glu vs Ala/Ala: OR = 0.891, 95 % CI = 0.782-1.015; Glu/Ala vs Ala/Ala: OR = 0.874, 95 % CI = 0.760-1.006; dominant model: OR = 0.885, 95 % CI = 0.775-1.012; and recessive model: OR = 0.989, 95 % CI = 0.931-1.051). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significantly elevated breast cancer risk was associated with Glu/Glu variant genotype in homozygote comparison and recessive genetic model (Glu/Glu vs Ala/Ala: OR = 0.78, 95 % CI = 0.63-0.97; Glu/Glu vs Glu/Ala: OR = 0.92, 95 % CI = 0.85-0.99; recessive model: OR = 0.91, 95 % CI = 0.85-0.97), while no significant associations were found for all comparison models in other ethnicity populations. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that the MTHFR Glu429Ala polymorphism may be not associated with breast cancer development.

A literature review of MTHFR (C677T and A1298C polymorphisms) and cancer risk

5,10-Methlenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is one of the most important enzymes for folate metabolism. This enzyme is mapped on chromosome 1, which is located at the end of the short arm (1p36.3). The C677T and A1298C are MTHFR polymorphisms that decrease in vitro MTHFR enzyme activity. Folate metabolism plays a key role in cell metabolism. These reactions are associated with purine-pyrimidine synthesis: DNA, RNA, and protein methylation. Polymorphism is also a factor in biodiversity, and be affected by ethnic heritage and geographic locale. In the case of unknown outcomes, not only should all geographical regions be investigated to ascertain biodiversity, but all populations as well to fully understand the variations in the effect. PUBMED was searched from January 2006 to December 2011 to develop an investigatory pursuit strategy. MTHFR, cancer, C677T, A1298C, and polymorphisms were key words used to focus the search. The literature review included all published relevant cancer types and MTHFR polymorphisms for that 5 years period. All selected polymorphisms data for cancer types was listed in tables for easy access and retrieval.