The Value of Circulating Tumor HPV DNA in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer: A Review †

Dok R, Nuyts S, Lopez F, Bradford C, Forastiere AA, Strojan P, Agaimy A, Stenman G, Mariano FV, Leivo I, Rao KN, Williams M, Eisbruch A, Saba NF, Ferlito A (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Diagnostics MDPI

Book Volume: 15

Article Number: 2708

Journal Issue: 21

DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics15212708

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) represent a distinct subgroup of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) characterized by better prognosis and increased radiosensitivity compared to HPV-negative OPSCC. However, current diagnostic and monitoring methods, including tissue biopsies and imaging, are insufficient for precise risk stratification and early detection of recurrence, leading to challenges in treatment de-escalation and surveillance strategies. Circulating tumor HPV DNA (ctHPV-DNA) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive biomarker that offers tumor-specific detection and monitoring capabilities, potentially transforming the management of HPV-related OPSCC through early disease detection, treatment response assessment, recurrence surveillance stratification, and disease monitoring. Despite encouraging results from early clinical studies, current use is limited to trial settings. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to validate its clinical utility and determine whether early ctHPV-DNA testing can improve patient outcome while reducing treatment related morbidity. This review outlines the biological rationale, technological approaches, and current clinical evidence for ctHPV-DNA in HPV-related OPSCC, emphasizing its potential role in treatment monitoring and surveillance.

Authors with CRIS profile

Abbas Agaimy Institute of Pathology

Involved external institutions

Central University Hospital of Asturias ES Spain (ES) Ohio State University US United States (USA) (US) Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC) US United States (USA) (US) University of Ljubljana (UL) / Univerza v Ljubljani SI Slovenia (SI) Sahlgrenska University Hospital / Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset SE Sweden (SE) Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) / University of Campinas BR Brazil (BR) Turku University Hospital / Turun yliopistollinen keskussairaala (TYKS) FI Finland (FI) Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre IN India (IN) University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center US United States (USA) (US) University of Michigan US United States (USA) (US) Emory University US United States (USA) (US) International Head and Neck Scientific Group DE Germany (DE) Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL) / Catholic University of Leuven BE Belgium (BE)

How to cite

APA:

Dok, R., Nuyts, S., Lopez, F., Bradford, C., Forastiere, A.A., Strojan, P.,... Ferlito, A. (2025). The Value of Circulating Tumor HPV DNA in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer: A Review †. Diagnostics, 15(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15212708

MLA:

Dok, Rüveyda, et al. "The Value of Circulating Tumor HPV DNA in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer: A Review †." Diagnostics 15.21 (2025).

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