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Post-treatment monitoring of surgically treated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients using human papillomavirus cell-free DNA

  • 0Division of Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, Immunology, Infection & Cancer Research Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
Oral Oncology +

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March 6, 2025

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March 6, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in blood plasma shows promise for monitoring HPV-driven oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) recurrence. Early detection of OPSCC recurrence using HPV cfDNA can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Virology

Background

  • Increasing incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).
  • Post-treatment monitoring is crucial for managing OPSCC recurrence, which impacts quality of life and survival.
  • HPV cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma is a potential biomarker for monitoring treatment response and recurrence.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the utility of HPV cfDNA as a biomarker for detecting recurrence in HPV-driven OPSCC patients.
  • To compare the sensitivity and specificity of HPV cfDNA detection with established methods for determining HPV tumor status.
  • To assess the predictive value of HPV cfDNA for recurrence during post-treatment follow-up.

Main Methods

  • Analysis of plasma samples from 27 OPSCC patients using a multiplex digital PCR assay for HPV cfDNA.
  • Comparison of HPV cfDNA detection with p16INK4a immunohistochemistry, HPV DNA, HPV RNA, and HPV16 E6 serology for HPV tumor status.
  • Assessment of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of HPV cfDNA during treatment and follow-up.

Main Results

  • High sensitivity (89%) and specificity (100%) for HPV cfDNA detection at the start of treatment in HPV-driven OPSCC.
  • HPV cfDNA testing demonstrated a 100% positive predictive value and 98% negative predictive value for recurrence within one year post-therapy.
  • HPV cfDNA was detectable 3-6.8 months prior to clinical detection of recurrence in cases of recurrent OPSCC.

Conclusions

  • HPV cfDNA testing in plasma is a valuable tool for post-treatment monitoring of HPV-driven OPSCC.
  • Early detection of recurrence using HPV cfDNA can aid in timely clinical intervention.
  • This biomarker holds potential for improving patient management and outcomes in HPV-driven OPSCC.