HER‐2 gene polymorphism at codon 655 in familial prostate cancer in a Japanese population

Background:  The Ile to Val polymorphism at codon 655 of HER-2 was reported to be associated with a risk of sporadic prostate cancer and breast cancer. In this study, we examined the association of the HER-2 polymorphism with familial prostate cancer in a Japanese population. Materials and methods:  We performed a case-control study consisting of 144 familial prostate cancer cases and 119 normal control subjects. The genetic polymorphism was analyzed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results:  There was no significant difference between the case group and the control group for the allele or genotype distribution. Conclusion:  In the present study, we could not confirm any significant association between the HER-2 polymorphism with familial prostate cancer risk in a Japanese population. Further large-scale studies are warranted to confirm the association of the HER-2 polymorphism with the risk of development of prostate cancer.