Mendelian randomization and its application in breast cancer research

doi:10.3877/cma.j.issn.1674-0785.2024.07.009

Abstract

Abstract:

Mendelian randomization is a causal inference method using genetic variants as instrumental variables， which utilizes the assignment randomness of genetic variants to achieve the effect similar to that of a randomized controlled trial， and can overcome the confounding bias in traditional observational studies. By virtue of the temporal precedence of the genetic variants， Mendelian randomization can also overcome the reverse causality interference in traditional observational studies. Mendelian randomization has been widely used in recent years for causal inference in the medical field. In this paper，we will review the Mendelian randomization method and its application in the field of breast cancer research，aiming to provide new ideas for the causal association study of breast cancer， as well as to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of this malignancy.

Key words: Mendelian randomization, Breast cancer, Causal inference

Shuai Wang, Zhiyuan Zhang, Yuqing Su, Wenwen Li, Shoukai Wang, Qi Liu, Wentao Li. Mendelian randomization and its application in breast cancer research[J]. Chinese Journal of Clinicians(Electronic Edition), 2024, 18(07): 671-676.

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