['Altered DNA damage repair genes have been demonstrated to contribute to tumorigenesis. This study explored the relationship of genetic polymorphisms of the DNA repair genes XRCC4 and RAD51 to the risk of esophageal cancer.', 'Genotyping of XRCC4 G-1394T (rs6869366) and RAD51-G135C by PCR-RFLP analysis was performed on 477\xa0participants, of whom 219 were patients with esophageal cancer; the remaining participants were healthy. Statistical analysis, including Chi(2) test and logistic regression, was used to assess genotypic distributions and their correlation with cancer risk.', 'Carriers of the XRCC4 rs6869366 G allele (GT+GG) were at a significantly higher risk of esophageal cancer compared to individuals with the TT genotype [odds ratio (OR)=3.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.16-10.24)]. Carriers of the C allele of RAD51 G135C (GC+CC) had a significantly increased risk of esophageal cancer compared to individuals with the GG genotype (OR=2.53, 95%CI: 1.15-6.70). Further, the variant genotypes of XRCC4 and RAD51 interacted to exacerbate the risk of esophageal cancer (OR=8.92, 95%CI: 2.47-38.20).'] Are genetic variants of the DNA damage repair genes XRCC4 and RAD51 associated with susceptibility to esophageal cancer?