HPV circulating tumor DNA as a potential prognostic and predictive biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review.
Oral OncolAug 25, 2026 (epub)
Daria Maria Filippini, Francesca Carosi, Miriam Tomaciello et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review evaluated the prognostic and predictive value of human papillomavirus circulating tumor DNA (HPVctDNA) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), analyzing 60 studies with 8,234 patients. The findings indicate a median sensitivity of 91.1% and specificity of 99.4% for HPVctDNA detection, particularly in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).
Key findings
- Median sensitivity of HPVctDNA detection was 91.1% across studies.
- Median specificity for HPVctDNA was 99.4%, indicating high diagnostic accuracy.
- Dynamic changes in HPVctDNA levels correlated with treatment outcomes and survival rates.
- Clearance of HPVctDNA was associated with improved progression-free and overall survival.
Why it matters
The high diagnostic and prognostic accuracy of HPVctDNA in HNSCC suggests its potential role in guiding treatment decisions and monitoring disease progression, which could enhance patient management and outcomes.