Colorectal Cancer and Folate pathway, 19-basepair deletion in particular: A review article

Background: Colorectal cancer is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Jordan and worldwide. Abnormality of DNA methylation is a possible mechanism for the development of cancer. Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is involved in DNA methylation. Genetic polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene may result in altered enzyme function, thus affecting cancer susceptibility and treatment response to antifolate cancer therapeutics. Aim: The aim of this study is to review the 19-basepair deletion polymorphism of DHFR gene characteristics and CRC, chemotherapy and the relationship between them. Results: According to studies, there was an association between cancer and genetics as well as different polymorphisms, particularly, DHFR gene and 19-19-basepair deletion polymorphism. The association was noticed in response and having cancer in life. Conclusion: Cancer in general is one of the most important topics to be studied in present due to its high prevalence in the world. CRC by itself is on of the most vital issues in researches as it is highly variable and prevalent in different countries specially in Middle east and Jordan. The relationship between genetics, 19-basepair deletion particularly and different diseases are confirmed. However, its relationship with CRC is not very well defined. Accordingly, this topic needs to have multiple studies with different methodologies and in contrast to different factors, in order to have a clear statement about this issue.