Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the XRCC1 and RAD51 genes and clinical radiosensitivity in head and neck cancer

Purpose: Individual variability in radiosensitivity is large in cancer patients. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in DNA repair and in protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS) could be responsible for such cases of radiosensitivity. We investigated the association between the occurrence of acute reactions in 101 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) after radiotherapy (RT) and five genetic polymorphisms: XRCC1 c.1196A > G, XRCC3 c.722C > T, RAD51 (c.-3429G > C, c.-3392G > T), and GSTP1 c.313A > G. Materials and methods: Genetic polymorphisms were detected by high resolution melting analysis (HRMA). The development of acute reactions (oral mucositis, skin erythema and dysphagia) associated with genetic polymorphisms was modeled using Cox proportional hazards, accounting for biologically effective dose (BED). Results: Development of grade ≥2 mucositis was increased in all patients (chemo-radiotherapy and radiotherapy alone) with XRCC1-399Gln allele (HR = 1.72). The likelihood of developing grade ≥2 dysphagia was higher in carriers of RAD51 c.-3429 CC/GC genotypes (HR = 4.00). The presence of at least one SNP or the co-presence of both SNPs in XRCC1 p.Gln399Arg /RAD51 c.-3429 G > C status were associated to higher likelihood of occurrence of acute toxicities (HR = 2.03). Conclusions: Our findings showed an association between genetic polymorphisms, XRCC1 c.1196A > G and RAD51 c.-3429 G > C, and the development of radiation-induced toxicities in SCCHN patients. © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.