Radioresistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Murphy, Justin Thomas

Abstract

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer accounting for approximately 6% of all cancers worldwide. However the distribution across the globe varies considerably. The majority of small tumours of the oral cavity and upper aerodigestive tract, in the absence of metastatic disease, can be successfully treated with surgery or radiotherapy. Despite this most small tumours of the oral cavity are now treated with surgery as the primary treatment modality with radiotherapy being reserved for adjuvant therapy, palliation or in patients unfit for surgery. Radiotherapy is also used in cases where there is doubt about the completeness of resection and where adverse histological characteristics are present.

Unfortunately, on average about 10% of tumours treated in this way are resistant to radiotherapy, developing tumour recurrence within the original radiotherapy field during the ensuing 12 months. Patients with radioresistant tumours are not only receiving a therapy that is unnecessary but are also being put at risk of potentially serious complications, e.g. osteoradionecrosis of the cervical spine. The primary aim of this thesis was to investigate the mechanism of radioresistance and create an in vitro model of a radioresistant oral squamous cell carcinoma. The methods of cell culture, microarray analysis and immunohistochemistry were employed to this end. Two novel radioresistant cell lines, PE-CAPJ41RR and PE-CAPJ49RR, were created and a number of targets identified using microarray analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the relationship EGFR, Bcl-2, BAX and COX-2 had with radiotherapy response.

Citation

Murphy, J. T. Radioresistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4208413

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 16, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 22, 2023
• Keywords: Medicine
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4208413
• Additional Information: Postgraduate Medical Institute, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2008