Background and purpose: The E-cadherin as a pivotal structural protein is important for cellular polarity and maintainance of normal tissue morphology and cellular differentiation. Recently some study investigated the impact of the C/A genetic polymorphism at -160 from the site of the E-cadherin gene promoter on susceptibility in NPC. To evaluate the association of the E-cadherin gene promoter -160 C/A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk in a Chinese population

we designed a hospital-based case-control study. Methods: Subjects included in this study were 303 patients definitely diagnosed with NPC

and 318 matched healthy controls. We used TaqMan Probe method for analyzing polymorphism. Results: The A/A genotype was associated with increased risk of NPC after being adjusted for age and gender (adjusted OR=2.09

95%CI: 1.03-4.22

P=0.04). When 2 gender groups were analysed respectively

female group with A/A genotypes showed a higher risk (OR=7.57

95%CI: 1.57-36.47

P=0.012). Besides

among NPC patients compared with males A/A genotype

females with A/A genotype had a significant risk(OR=2.66

95%CI: 1.14-6.20

P=0.024). Conclusion: The A/A genotype of E-cadherin promoter -160 C/A might be genetic risk factor for NPC

especially female patients.