We also demonstrate for the first time that miR-17-5p functionally modulates sensitivity to radiation in vitro in EAC cells and alters expression of predicted miR-17-5p target genes, such as C6orf120. In vivo, miR-17-5p is significantly decreased, whilst target gene expression is significantly increased in pre-treatment tumour biopsies from patients who have a poor response to neoadjuvant CRT. This evidence concerns the gene C6orf120 and neoplasm.