Radiotherapy induces an increase in serum antioxidant capacity reflecting tumor response

Background and purpose: Radiotherapy (RT) is a mainstay component of treatment for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but responses vary. As RT relies upon oxidative damage, antioxidant expression in response to RT-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) could compromise treatment response. We aimed to examine local and systemic antioxidant responses to increased RT-induced ROS in relation to treatment success. Materials and methods: Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), the main antioxidant transcription factor, was immunofluorescently stained in FaDu cells and in tumor biopsies of patients with oral cavity/oropharynx HNSCC before and after five fractions of RT. Besides, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was analyzed in HNSCC tumor cells in vitro and in serum of HNSCC patients before, during, and after RT. Results: Data revealed an increase in NRF2 expression and TAC in head and neck cancer cells in vitro over the course of 5 daily fractions of 2 Gy. In accordance, also in patients’ tumors NRF2 expression increased, which was associated with increased serum TAC during RT. Increasing serum TAC was related to impaired local tumor control. Conclusion: Radiation induced NRF2 expression and upregulated TAC, which may compromise the effect of RT-induced ROS. Changes in serum TAC during RT could serve as a novel predictor of treatment outcome in HNSCC patients.Medical Ethics Review Committee (CMO) approval – CMO number: 2007/104.