Association Between Genes in the Nuclear Factor E2-Related Factor 2 Antioxidative Response Elements Pathway and Cancer-Related Fatigue in Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer.

Objectives: To explore genes in the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 antioxidative response elements (Nrf2-ARE) signaling pathway using a multiomics approach for associations with variability of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in postmenopausal women with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Sample & setting: Postmenopausal women (N = 116) with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer were recruited from western Pennsylvania.

Methods & variables: Candidate genes from the Nrf2-ARE pathway were investigated for associations with CRF occurrence and severity. Associations were evaluated using logistic regression for occurrence and linear regression for severity.

Results: The rs2706110 TT genotype in NFE2L2 was associated with a 3.5-fold increase in odds of CRF occurrence. The cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) site cg22820568 in PRDX1 was associated with CRF occurrence and severity.

Implications for nursing: Biomarkers based on Nrf2-ARE genes may help to identify women at increased risk for more severe CRF and to develop targeted interventions.