The FCGR3A polymorphism predicts the response to rituximab-based therapy in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a meta-analysis

Epidemiological studies have assessed the association between Fc gamma receptor IIIA (FCGR3A) 158 V/F and the response to rituximab-based therapy in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), but the findings have been inconsistent. We performed this meta-analysis to obtain a better assessment of this relationship. Electronic database searches were conducted for relevant studies. A pooled odds ratio (OR) with a 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) was used to assess the strength of the association. Analyses of the subgroup and publication bias were conducted. A total of 10 studies involving 1050 patients were analyzed. In all the genetic models, no clear relationship was found between the FCGR3A 158 V/F polymorphism and the response to rituximab-based therapy in NHL patients. When categorized by ethnicity, Asian individuals with the FCGR3A 158 V/V allele (OR = 4.37; 95 % CI = 1.07-17.73; P = 0.039) or the non-F/(FV + VV) (OR = 2.50; 95 % CI = 1.04-5.98; P = 0.040) allele have a significantly higher complete response rate (CR) compared to FF individuals. No obvious heterogeneities were observed. In addition, no statistical evidence for a publication bias was found. Our study suggested that the FCGR3A 158 V/F polymorphism can predict the treatment response to rituximab-based chemotherapy in NHL patients, especially for Asian individuals.