The impact of XPC gene single nucleotide polymorphism rs2228001 on head and neck cancer patients' response to radiotherapy treatment.

BACKGROUND

Head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSC) is the sixth most common neoplasm, with a 40-50% overall survival rate. HNSC standard treatment depends on tumor size, metastasis or human papillomavirus (HPV) status including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The last two may lead to defects in the tumor microenvironment and cancer cell biology as disorders in DNA damage repair systems. Here, we evaluate the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2228001 in the gene with the early and late adverse effects of radiotherapy, determine the distribution of the SNP and post-treatment follow-up in HNSC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Head and neck cancer tissues and clinical data were obtained from 79 patients. The SNP of the gene (rs2228001) was evaluated with polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The chi-square test was used to determine the correlation between mutation and adverse effects occurrence.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION: Single nucleotide polymorphism rs2228001 in the gene is correlated with the early adverse effect of skin reaction and the late adverse effect of elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the HNSC patients.