Circulating tumor cells predict relapse in head and neck mucosal squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck cancers (HNC) are common globally with high rates of locoregional recurrence. The detection and enumeration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are emerging prognostic biomarkers in solid tumors. This study aimed to detect CTCs in HNC patients, particularly head and neck mucosal squamous cell carcinoma (HNmSCC), and evaluate its prognostic value for predicting relapse.

HNC patients undergoing surgical resection were prospectively recruited. Peripheral blood samples were collected preoperatively and postoperatively, then analysed for CTCs using the AccuCyte-CyteFinder platform. Prognostic performance was assessed using multivariate logistic regressions, ROC analysis and recurrence-free survival.

Among 106 recruited patients, 79 had available preoperative blood samples and epithelial malignancies, with 57 (72 %) classified as HNmSCC. CTCs were detected in 81 % (46/57) of HNmSCC patients with a mean of 19 CTCs per 7.5 mL of blood (median = 9). Using a cutoff of ≥5 CTCs in a preoperative blood sample, CTC-high status was significantly associated with relapse (odds ratio = 9.52, p = 0.022) and a worse recurrence-free survival (p = 0.016). In multivariable analysis, CTC-high status remained independently significant after adjusting for other clinicopathologic parameters with consistent effect sizes across models (adjusted odds ratio = 8-10). Notably, both CTCs and margin involvement remained independently significant (margins: adjusted odds ratio = 6.17, p = 0.024) demonstrating complementary prognostic value. In exploratory postoperative follow-up samples (N = 36), CTC-high status was significantly associated with relapse (odds ratio = 26.71, p = 0.0009).

CTCs detected using the AccuCyte-CyteFinder platform demonstrate independent prognostic value in HNmSCC patients, complementing conventional pathologic assessment, particularly margin involvement. This proof-of-concept study provides preliminary evidence that preoperative CTC enumeration could enhance risk stratification to identify patients at high risk of relapse, potentially enabling more personalised surveillance and treatments.