In recent studies N- Acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) genotype has been considered as a risk factor for developing gastric cancer, however with conflicting results among Asian and Caucasian populations. In order to clarify the influence of NAT2 slow acetylation status on gastric cancer risk, a preliminary meta-analysis of published case-control studies was undertaken.The primary outcome measure was the odds ratio (OR) for the risk of gastric cancer associated with the NAT2 slow genotype using a random effects model. Pooling the results from the 5 studies identified (771 cases, 1083 controls), an overall OR for gastric cancer risk associated with the NAT2 slow genotype of 0.91 emerged (95% CI: 0.54-1.55).The result suggests that the NAT2 slow genotype has probably no effect on the risk of gastric cancer. Additional epidemiological studies, based on sample sizes that are commensurate with the detection of small genotypic risks, are required to confirm these findings. Future studies may also help to clarify whether geographic differences exist.