We have combined data from 23 studies in order to assess a previously reported association between a common genetic variant in the AKAP9 gene and breast cancer risk. Based on an analysis of 24,154 women with breast cancer and 33,376 without breast cancer, we observed that white European women with two copies of the variant appear to have small (approximately 8%) increased risk of breast cancer. The risk may be slightly higher for younger women. The results for Asian women were consistent, but inconclusive. Further studies are required to confirm this association and clarify the underlying biological processes. (Dr Roger L Milne, http://jmg.bmj.com/content/48/10/698 )