Precision Identification and Targeting of Radiotherapy-Resistance in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive cancer of the mouth and throat that is increasingly diagnosed in younger individuals with no traditional risk factors. OSCC is likely to return, even after aggressive treatment, contributing to high mortality. Emerging research suggests that OSCC recurrence is driven by cancer stem cells with increased resistance to radiotherapy. Our research aims to uncover the unique pathways that allow certain tumor cells to survive after radiation treatment. We have developed a novel 3D culture system that mimics how and where OSCC tumors grow in the human body and banked more than 50 tumors from patients who had surgery. By tracking individual tumor cells and analyzing their responses to radiation at the single-cell level before and after treatment, we aim to identify the pathways that enable radiation resistance. Our ultimate goal is to target these pathways and make radiotherapy more effective for patients with resistant disease. This work may reveal new therapeutic targets, support future clinical trials, and improve outcomes for people facing this devastating cancer.
