Radiation fights non-smokers' neck cancer

DAVIS, Calif., Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Non-smokers have better results from radiation for head and neck cancer, than those who smoke, U.S. researchers say.

Researchers at the University of California Davis Cancer Center suggest the human papillomavirus -- highly associated with head and neck cancer in those who have never smoked -- may be especially susceptible to radiation therapy.

The study, published online in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology, found fewer disease recurrences in those who never-smoked than patients who smoked. In addition, 82 percent of non-smokers were disease-free after three years compared with 65 percent of patients who had smoked. Those who had never smoked also had a lower number of treatment complications.

"There is something unique about the biology of head and neck cancers among non-smokers that makes them more amenable to cure by radiation therapy," Allen Chen said in a statement. "These tumors just melt after a few doses of radiation. If we could understand why, there would be important implications for new drugs and treatments."

Chen said something about the human papillomavirus -- perhaps a viral antigen on the cell surface or fewer gene mutations -- may allow the effects of radiation to become enhanced.