Association between plasma proteome profiles analysed by mass spectrometry, a lymphocyte-based DNA-break repair assay and radiotherapy-induced acute mucosal reaction in head and neck cancer patients

Purpose: The plasma proteome was analysed as a potential source of markers of radiosensitivity in patients treated with definitive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Materials and methods: Acute mucosal reactions that developed during radiotherapy were assessed in 55 patients. Blood samples were collected from each patient before the treatment and also from 50 healthy donors. The low-molecular-weight fraction of the plasma proteome (2,000–10,000 Da range) was analysed by the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation mass spectrometry. The capacity for DNA break repair was assessed by the comet assay using lymphocytes irradiated in vitro. Results: Spectral components registered in plasma samples were used to build classifiers that discriminated patients from healthy individuals with about 90% specificity and sensitivity (components of 4469, 6929 and 8937 Da were the most essential for cancer classification). Four spectral components were identified (2219, 2454, 3431 and 5308 Da) whose abundances correlated with a maximal intensity of the acute reaction. Several spectral components whose abundances correlated with the rate of DNA repair in irradiated lymphocytes were also detected. Additionally, a more rapid escalation of an acute reaction was correlated with a higher level of unrepaired damage assessed by the comet assay. Conclusions: The plasma proteome could be considered as a potential source of predictive markers of acute reaction in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy.