Circulating HPV Tumor DNA as a Pretreatment Biomarker in Oropharyngeal Cancer: JAMA
Rettig et al presented a report using a commercially available Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-approved test (NavDx [Naveris]) to measure circulating tumor tissue-modified viral (TTMV) human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA present in patients with HPV-positive oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) prior to treatment. In analyzing a cohort of 110 patients, they found that TTMV HPV DNA levels were statistically significantly associated with nodal disease burden and the presence of lymphovascular invasion. Most patients did have TTMV HPV DNA detected (89%), but a subset did not have detectable DNA.
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is DNA that is shed by cancer cells that circulate in the bloodstream. The DNA can be free floating (“cell free”), exist within tumor cells in the blood, or be in fragments of cells such as exosomes. Using biochemical and genetic techniques, peripherally drawn blood can be processed to identify and sequence this DNA. While some of the DNA is just normal DNA from the host, foreign nonhost sequences like HPV DNA can be detected and measured using this technique. The term liquid biopsy has also been coined to describe this approach. The NavDx test detects such ctDNA, calling it TTMV DNA. The identification of ctDNA in HPV-positive OPSCC has been an exciting development, providing additional data for consideration in the management of patients with HPV-positive OPSCC. Recent publications have shown its potential value to predict treatment response in curative intent therapy, palliative therapy in the recurrent/metastatic setting and in posttreatment surveillance.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.