Role of Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Le résumé fourni par la source

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide with classically poor outcomes related to advanced disease at presentation. Despite improvements in treatment strategies, morbidity and mortality remain high among this patient population, with frequent disease recurrence and need for lifelong surveillance. Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), a disease historically associated with alcohol and tobacco abuse, has become increasingly prevalent in young, otherwise healthy patients related to chronic infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Though this subset of patients has favorable response to therapy, patients’ young age and health status places them at higher risk for delayed diagnosis and represents a challenge for long-term cancer surveillance. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has recently gained traction as a potential surveillance tool and affords the opportunity to shift this paradigm. Herein, we delve into the current, though constantly evolving, knowledge surrounding ctDNA and its role in the management of patients with HPV-mediated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.