The possible association between CD28 IVS3 +17T>C (rs3116496) polymorphism and cancer susceptibility has been widely investigated. However, the results are conflicting. To verify the association more precisely, we performed a meta-analysis of 11 publications involving a total of 8,843 subjects. In this meta-analysis, 11 publications were included by searching PubMed and EMBASE databases up to May 23, 2014. The cancer susceptibility associated with the CD28 IVS3 +17T>C polymorphism was evaluated by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Heterogeneity, sensitivity and publication bias analyses were also assessed. The result suggested that the CD28 IVS3 +17T>C polymorphism is not associated with cancer susceptibility in overall cancer. In a stratified analysis by ethnicity, the association of CD28 IVS3 +17T>C polymorphism with cancer susceptibility was significant in Asians. In a stratified analysis by the origin of cancer cells and system of cancer, CD28 IVS3 +17T>C polymorphism was not associated with cancer susceptibility. In summary, this meta-analysis demonstrated that the CD28 IVS3 +17T>C polymorphism may be a cancer susceptibility factor in Asians.
Keywords: CD28; Cancer; cancer susceptibility; meta-analysis; polymorphism.