Prediction of RT response in head and neck cancers by assessment of the clonal repopulation dynamics

Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the main treatments for solid tumors, including
human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and negative head and neck cancers
(HNSCC). Technological improvements made in RT delivery and planning
reformed RT from an experimental application of X-rays to one of the most
effective and sophisticated tools for cancer treatment. Despite this,
locoregional control remains an important cause of death in HNSCC patients
diagnosed with locally advanced tumors. RT resistance is an important cause
of local failure of HNSCC, highlighting the importance of understanding
biological mechanisms behind the heterogeneous RT response. Here, we
propose to assess the RT induced changes in clonal dynamics of cell
populations and to unravel the molecular mechanisms driving these changes.
Our results will unravel molecular mechanisms in RT response and RT
resistance and will provide predictive biomarkers for RT response. This in-turn
will open new opportunities for the treatment of HNSCC patients.