B-213 Predictive Potential of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 Alpha (HIF-1a) Genetic Variations in Radiation Therapy Response of Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the world*s sixth most prevalent malignancy. Polymorphisms in HIF-1a may impact tumor behaviour and treatment outcomes by influencing its stability and activity. This study investigates the impact of polymorphisms C1772T and G1790A in the HIF-1a gene on HNSCC progression and responsiveness to radiation therapy Methods This hospital-based cross-sectional study comprised 61 patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer who were treated with Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy. The study collected clinical data, radiation toxicity, and treatment responses, and used Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to identify HIF-1a polymorphisms in blood samples. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to correlate these polymorphisms with HIF-1 a levels, and statistical analysis was used to link them to treatment outcomes and radiation-induced toxicities. (IEC No-AIIMS/IEC/22/430) Results The results indicated that G1790A genotype exhibited a complex relationship with dermatitis, with varied effects on HIF-1a function and downstream signalling pathways, while C1772T genotype was highly associated with HIF-1a overexpression. The presence of the T allele in C1772T was related with a higher risk of malignancy and lower survival outcomes, highlighting the potential of these SNPs as prognostic markers for HNSCC. The study also identified the HIF-1 a cut-off value of 269.5 pg/ml (97% sensitivity and 98% specificity) for early HNSCC detection. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant Conclusion Genetic testing for HIF-1a Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) could enhance personalized care and radiation-induced toxicities in HNSCC patients, but further research is needed to confirm these findings