British Journal of Cancer (2008) 98, 1723-1738.
doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6604345 www.bjcancer.com Published online 15 April 2008
Chromosomal radiosensitivity in head and neck cancer patients: evidence for
genetic predisposition?
K De Ruyck1, V de Gelder1, M Van Eijkeren2, T Boterberg2, W De Neve2, A
Vral1 and H Thierens1
1Department of Human Anatomy, Embryology, Histology and Medical Physics,
Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
2Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan
185, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
Correspondence to: Dr K De Ruyck, E-mail: kim.deruyck@UGent.be
Received 7 December 2007; revised 6 March 2008; accepted 10 March 2008;
published online 15 April 2008
The association between chromosomal radiosensitivity and genetic
predisposition to head and neck cancer was investigated in this study. In
all, 101 head and neck cancer patients and 75 healthy control individuals
were included in the study. The G2 assay was used to measure chromosomal
radiosensitivity. The results demonstrated that head and neck cancer
patients had a statistically higher number of radiation-induced chromatid
breaks than controls, with mean values of 1.23 and 1.10 breaks per cell,
respectively (P<0.001). Using the 90th percentile of the G2 scores of the
healthy individuals as a cutoff value for chromosomal radiosensitivity, 26%
of the cancer patients were radiosensitive compared with 9% of the healthy
controls (P=0.008). The mean number of radiation-induced chromatid breaks
and the proportion of radiosensitive individuals were highest for oral
cavity cancer patients (1.26 breaks per cell, 38%) and pharynx cancer
patients (1.27 breaks per cell, 35%). The difference between patients and
controls was most pronounced in the lower age group (50 years, 1.32 breaks
per cell, 38%) and in the non- and light smoking patient group (10
pack-years, 1.28 breaks per cell, 46%). In conclusion, enhanced chromosomal
radiosensitivity is a marker of genetic predisposition to head and neck
cancer, and the genetic contribution is highest for oral cavity and pharynx
cancer patients and for early onset and non- and light smoking patients.
Keywords: head and neck cancer; chromosomal radiosensitivity; genetic
predisposition
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----- Original Message -----
From: "Louis Slesin, Microwave News" <info@microwavenews.com>
To: "Iris" <atzmonh@bezeqint.net>
Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2008 5:51 PM
Subject: Prenatal Exposure to Cell Phones
Dear Colleagues:
It's new and it's provocative.... In fact, we have a hard time believing
it.
A U.S.-Danish team has just reported that a woman's use of a cell phone
during pregnancy can lead to behavioral changes in her children.
Take a look at our latest post at:
www.microwavenews.com
Best,
Louis Slesin
__________________________________________________________
