Candidate apoptotic and DNA repair gene approach confirms involvement of ERCC1, ERCC5, TP53 and MDM2 in radiation-induced toxicity in head and neck cancer

Relevant SNPs in DNA repair (ERCC1 and ERCC5) and apoptosis (MDM2 and TP53) genes might influence the severity of radiation-related side-effects in HNSCC patients. Prospective clinical SNP-based validation studies are needed on these bases.