Association of FGF Receptor-2rs2981578 SNP with breast cancer in women at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.

Introduction: Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2 single nucleotide polymorphisms are implicated in breast cancer development. However, there are inconsistencies and contradictions in the reports. The current study aimed to determine the association between Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2 rs2981578 single nucleotide polymorphism and breast cancer among female breast cancer patients.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted between August 2023 and April 2024 at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, and Northwest Ethiopia. Semi-structured was adapted to collect socio-demographic character and anthropometric measurement and 5 ml of blood were drawn from each randomly selected participant for molecular analysis. The data was entered into Epi-Data-7.2 and exported to SPSS-25. Binary logistic regression model was used to look into the association between various factors. Statistical significance was regarded as a p-value of < 0.05.

Results: The Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms rs2981578 AA genotype and A allele were more frequent in breast cancer patients than in controls (37% vs. 17% and 58% vs 42%; the chi-square p = 0.025 and p = 0.009, respectively). Individuals with the AA genotype and A allele were more prone to breast cancer (OR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.293-8.538, and OR =1.88; 95% CI: 1.173, 3.029, respectively) than those with the wild type GG genotype. The risk allele correlated with the late TNM stage (COR = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.07-10.88).

Conclusion: The AA genotype and the A allele of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms rs2981578 gene are more prevalent among women with breast cancer. They are correlated with increased susceptibility to breast cancer and a worsening of its stage.