Applications of molecular testing in surgical pathology of the head and neck

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Genomics

Background:

• Molecular testing is increasingly vital in surgical pathology for tumor classification and therapeutic planning.
• Guidelines recommend specific molecular panels for certain cancers, establishing a standard of care.
• Head and neck pathology currently has fewer clinically applicable molecular tests compared to other organ systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the utility and cost-effectiveness of molecular testing in head and neck pathology.
• To guide pathologists in navigating molecular testing pathways amidst increasing assays and cost pressures.
• To differentiate between diagnostic biomarkers and companion diagnostics for therapeutic response prediction in head and neck tumors.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on molecular testing in surgical pathology.
• Analysis of existing biomarkers in head and neck pathology.
• Exploration of potential applications and cost-effectiveness of molecular assays in head and neck tumors.

Main Results:

• Head and neck biomarkers are predominantly used for diagnosis, not for predicting therapeutic response.
• The number of molecular biomarker assays is growing, alongside escalating cost pressures.
• Specific scenarios for beneficial and cost-effective molecular testing in head and neck pathology are identified.

Conclusions:

• Pathologists need to navigate an expanding landscape of molecular testing options.
• Molecular testing in head and neck pathology is evolving, with a need to balance diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
• Identifying cost-effective molecular tests is essential for routine surgical pathology in head and neck cancer.