OBJECTIVETo study the expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3(TNFAIP3) and mammary serine protease inhibitor (Maspin) in the radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and explore the differences in radiosensitivity and radioresistance,the relation with the occurrence and development of radioresistance.

METHODSThe TNFAIP3 and Maspin mRNA expressions were detected by using TNFAIP3 and Maspin multi-point labeled DIG probes in situ hybridization.

RESULTSIn radiosensitivity and radioresistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma,the moderately and strongly positive TNFAIP3 mRNA expression rates were 27.50% and 48.33% (P=0.037), and the moderately and strongly positive Maspin mRNA expression rates were 67.50% and 46.67% (P=0.040). In the radioresistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma,TNFAIP3 mRNA moderately and strongly positive expressions were positively correlated with TNM stage (P=0.005). In distant metastasis and no distant metastasis (70.00% and 37.50%, P=0.018), the expression rates had statistical significance. The Maspin mRNA moderately and strongly positive expressions were positively correlated with TNM stage (P=0.039) and T stage (P=0.021). In distant metastasis and no distant metastasis (65.00% and 37.50%, P=0.044), the expression rates had statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONTNFAIP3 may be involved in the development of radioresistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma,and Maspin may be related with the invasion and metastasis of radioresistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma.