MiR-218 and miR-100 polymorphisms as markers of irinotecan-based chemotherapy response in metastatic colorectal cancer

Purpose Colorectal cancer is the fourth cause of cancer-related death. Drug toxicity and resistance remain concerns of major importance. miR-100 and miR-218 are micro-RNAs that regulate cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis acting as oncogenes and tumour suppressors; their functions and have been linked with toxicity development and drug resistance. Methods We investigated the correlation between rs11134527 miR-218 and rs1834306 miR-100 polymorphisms and irinotecan-based regimens with regard to drug efficacy and toxicity. A total of 105 mCRC patients receiving irinotecan-based regimens were included in our study and assessed in terms of toxicity development and response to treatment. Rs11134527 miR-218 and rs1834306 miR-100 polymorphism genotyping in the peripheral blood was performed with PCR-RFLP. Results Neither rs11134527 miR-218 nor rs1834306 miR-100 are associated with toxicity risk to treatment regimens. GA/AA genotypes of rs11134527 and CT/TT genotypes of rs1834306 were associated with a significantly reduced time-to-progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS). Conclusions GA/AA genotypes of rs11134527 miR-218 and CT/TT genotypes of rs1834306 miR-100 polymorphisms could serve as prognostic biomarkers of TTP and OS. Carriers of the A allele of the miR-218 rs11134527 and T allele of the miR-100 rs1834306 polymorphisms are more likely not to respond to irinotecan-based therapies. However, further studies in larger patient populations are required.