# Association between the PSCA rs2976392 polymorphism and susceptibility to gastric cancer: a meta-analysis

## TL;DR

This study finds that a specific genetic variant, PSCA rs2976392, is linked to a higher risk of gastric cancer, especially in Asian populations.

## Contribution

The study confirms a strong association between the PSCA rs2976392 polymorphism and gastric cancer risk through a comprehensive meta-analysis.

## Key findings

- The PSCA rs2976392 polymorphism is associated with increased gastric cancer risk under multiple genetic models.
- The association is strongest in Asian populations across all genetic models.
- The AA genotype of PSCA rs2976392 significantly increases susceptibility to gastric cancer.

## Abstract

Genetic polymorphisms, such as PSCA rs2976392, have been implicated in gastric carcinogenesis, but it is unclear whether there is a direct association. Thus, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the association between the PSCA rs2976392 polymorphism and susceptibility to gastric cancer (GC).

A systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed up to 13 March 2025. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for five genetic models. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to ethnicity and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) status. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed, and sensitivity analyses were performed.

A total of 13 studies involving 9,255 patients with gastric cancer and 8,903 controls were included. Overall, a significant association between the PSCA rs2976392 polymorphism and increased GC risk was observed under the allele model (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.19–1.40), dominant model (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.3–1.77), homozygous model (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.18–1.96), and heterozygous model (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.33–1.73), but not under the recessive model. Subgroup analyses revealed a strong association in Asian populations with all genetic models, whereas Caucasians showed a significant association only with the homozygous model. No significant publication bias was detected, and sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results.

This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that the PSCA rs2976392 AA genotype significantly increases susceptibility to gastric cancer, particularly among Asians.