Investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying radioresistance in oesophageal cancer

Abstract

The current standard of care for oesophageal cancer in Ireland involves neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) followed by surgery. Despite advances in treatment, resistance to neoadjuvant CRT remains a significant clinical problem, with only ~30% of patients achieving a complete pathological response. Radiation therapy exerts its effects locoregionally, consequently, in terms of locoregional control, tumour resistance to radiation therapy may predominantly contribute to treatment failure. The identification of biomarkers and molecular mechanism(s) of radioresistance is central to facilitating patient treatment stratification, improving survival rates and identifying novel targets to enhance the efficacy of radiation therapy.