RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive value of GST gene polymorphisms with regard to prognosis of breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 159 patients were included in our study between January 2005 and January 2007. All the patients were followed up until January 2012. Genotyping was based upon the duplex polymerase-chain-reaction with the PCR-CTPP method. RESULTS: Patients with null GSTM1 and GSTP1 Val/Val genotypes had significantly had better response rates to chemotherapy when compared with non-null GSTM1 and GSTP1 Ile/ Ile genotypes (OR=1.96 and OR=2.14, respectively). Patients with the GSTM1 null genotype had a longer average survival time and significantly lower risk of death than did those with non-null genotypes (HR=0.66). Similarly, those carrying the GSTP1 Val/Val genotype had 0.54- fold the risk of death of those with GSTP1 Ile/ Ile (HR=0.54). CONCLUSION: A significant association was found between GSTM1 and GSTP1 gene polymorphisms and clinical outcomes in breast cancer cases.