Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype does not play a role in multiple myeloma pathogenesis

Summary. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) plays an important role in carcinogenesis. A decreased incidence of cancer has been reported in the presence of MTHFR 677TT, 1298AC and 1298CC polymorphic variants. We have analysed the MTHFR genotype in 107 multiple myeloma (MM) patients and 86 controls. The MM and control polymorphisms frequencies were: 34% and 48% for 677CC, 53% and 41% for 677CT, 12% and 11% for 677TT; 36% and 43% for 1298AA, 51% and 44% for 1298AC; and 12% and 13% for 1298CC respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed. In addition, no differences were seen according to MM stage, presence of p16 gene hypermethylation or response to treatment.