Role of NQO1 polymorphisms as risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

A case: control study was carried out to determine if inactivating polymorphisms of the NQO1 gene at bases 609 and 465 are associated with altered risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Genotyping was carried out by PCR RFLP analysis on whole blood samples. The frequency of the inactive 609T and active 609C forms, and the inactive 465T and active 465C forms, of NQO1 were compared in patient and control groups by a logistic regression analysis and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.