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Updated: May 10, 2025
Chromogenic In Situ Hybridization as a Tool for HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis
Published on: June 14, 2019
Circulating Tumour DNA as a Complementary Tool for Treatment Evaluation in HPV-Associated Head and Neck Squamous Cell
Anna Oldaeus Almerén1, Max Waenerlund2,3, Fredrik Landström1
1Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
Objectives:
HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and head and neck carcinoma of unknown primary (HNCUP) are increasing. Despite good prognosis, recurrence rates range from 10% to 25%. Surveillance with clinical controls and imaging is not always reliable. Circulating tumour human papillomavirus DNA (ctHPV-DNA) has emerged as a potential biomarker for treatment evaluation and detection of recurrence. We aimed to investigate the correlation between ctHPV-DNA in HPV+ OPSCC/HNCUP and radiologic tumour burden. Additionally, we sought to assess whether ctHPV-DNA could serve as a tool in treatment evaluation.
Design:
A prospective observational cohort study.
Setting:
This multicenter study involved three otolaryngology units located in central Sweden. We utilised HPV genotype-specific assays for droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to detect ctHPV-DNA in plasma at diagnosis and follow-up. ctHPV-DNA levels were correlated to radiological tumour burden and radiological response using the Kendall Rank correlation coefficient and the Kruskal-Wallis test.
Participants:
Patients with HPV+ OPSCC/HNCUP undergoing definitive (chemo)radiotherapy and enrolled in the CIRCOS study.
Results:
Out of 54 patients, 51 were eligible for analyses. At baseline, ctHPV-DNA was detectable in 88%. A majority of patients with a favourable radiological evaluation according to RECIST had a corresponding undetectable ctHPV-DNA at follow-up. The levels of ctHPV-DNA at baseline correlated with total tumour volume and nodal volume (rτ = 0.39, p < 0.01, respectively rτ = 0.26, p < 0.01).
Conclusion:
ctHPV-DNA shows correlation with tumour burden. This study strengthens the role of ctHPV-DNA as a promising biomarker for treatment evaluation in HPV-related OPC/HNCUP. With further research on serial plasma sampling, ctHPV-DNA could complement radiological treatment evaluation in HPV+ OPSCC/HNCUP.
Trial Registration:
NCT05904327 [ClinicalTrials.gov].
