Role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in response to radiation therapy and radiotoxicity in head and neck cancers

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It is usually located in the larynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and nasal cavity and is treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy. Factors such as long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) play a role in disease progression and response to treatment. In this study, we investigated PCAT6 expression, a lncRNA known to have oncogenic effects in many cancer types, and its effect on radiation response in HNC. The study included 15 HNC patients who underwent radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy and 12 healthy individuals. RNA was isolated from blood samples obtained from the patients before, during and at the end of treatment and the healthy subjects. cDNA was synthesized and PCAT6 expression was analyzed by Real Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a one-step enzyme system. PCAT6 expression was increased by 3.07-fold in patients compared to the control group before treatment and continued to increase during treatment. PCAT6 expression increased by 6.5% at mid-treatment compared to pre-treatment, 11.9% at the end of treatment compared to mid-treatment and 19.2% at the end of treatment compared to the beginning of treatment. In conclusion, we can suggest that PCAT6 may have an oncogenic effect in HNC similar to other cancers and its expression may change in response to radiation.