LAUSR

AIM This study was aimed to investigate the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms of cancer stem cell marker genes, CD44 and CD133, and susceptibility and prognosis of gastric cancer. PATIENTS & METHODS Five single nucleotide polymorphisms in CD44 and CD133 genes were genotyped in 898 gastric cancer cases and 992 controls. RESULTS The A/C or C/C genotypes of CD133 rs2240688 were associated with decreased risk of gastric cancer comparing with the A/A genotype (odds ratio: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67-0.97; p = 0.023). The T allele of CD133 rs3130 predicted a worse survival for gastric cancer patients receiving tumorectomy (hazard ratio: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.04-1.58; p = 0.020), independent from tumor node metastasis stage, vessel invasion and postoperational chemotherapy. CONCLUSION  CD133 polymorphisms are promising biomarkers for genetic susceptibility and prognosis prediction of gastric cancer.