'Letter to editor' in lieu of article published below in Gynecol Oncolo. 2010 Oct;119(1):136-9. ctla-4 gene variations in southern Iranian patients with cervical cancer.

摘要

This case-control study depicts the association of ctla-4 gene polymorphisms, and susceptibility to cervical cancer. Although the study provides preliminary evidence to consider ctla-4 polymorphisms as a risk factor for cervical cancer, there are a few important issues that need to be clarified.Sample size remains a major issue in genetic case-control studies analyzing the association of polymorphisms with disease susceptibility. The study should obtain adequate statistical power to estimate a significant association accurately, which remains a primary criterion to perform such studies. Underpowered studies usually lead to false-positive associations and misinterpretations [1,2].