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Distinct effects of red blood cell and follicular fluid folate on radiotherapy outcomes in female reproductive tract cancers
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T. Huang   |
| The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China & The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China , AmonUhn8286@hotmail.com |
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Abstract: (39 Views) |
Background: Folate metabolism is essential in cancer progression and therapeutic response by supporting DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. However, the differential impact of systemic folate (RBC Folate) versus local folate (Follicular Fluid Folate, FFF) on radiotherapy outcomes in cancer patients remains unclear. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 280 female patients with reproductive tract cancers undergoing pelvic radiotherapy. Blood and follicular fluid samples were collected before radiotherapy. RBC Folate and FFF concentrations were quantified. Radiotherapy outcomes-including tumor shrinkage (assessed via imaging), DNA damage repair (γ-H2AX assay), and clinical treatment response-were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression. Results: Higher FFF levels were significantly associated with enhanced DNA repair and increased tumor persistence (β = 0.02171, P = 0.0363), indicating a potential protective effect on tumor cells. Conversely, elevated RBC Folate was negatively correlated with radiotherapy response (β = -0.002011, P = 0.0015). Tumor shrinkage and DNA repair parameters were the strongest predictors of treatment success. Age and tumor type also influenced the outcomes negatively. Conclusion: Local and systemic folate levels exhibit opposing effects on radiotherapy response in gynecological cancer patients. Elevated FFF may enhance tumor resilience, whereas higher RBC Folate may reduce treatment efficacy. Folate profiling could guide personalized strategies to optimize radiotherapy outcomes. |
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| Keywords: Neoplasms, radiotherapy. folate, red blood cell count, follicular fluid, DNA repair, tumor microenvironment. |
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Full-Text [PDF 849 kb]
(3 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Radiation Biology
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