Abstract
BackgroundRecommendations for perioperative therapy in head and neck cancer are not explicit and recurrence occurs frequently. Circulating tumor DNA is an emerging cancer biomarker, but has not been extensively explored for detection of recurrence in head and neck cancer.MethodsPatients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were recruited into the study protocol. Tumors were sequenced to identify patient‐specific mutations. Mutations were then identified in plasma circulating tumor DNA from pre‐treatment blood samples and longitudinally during standard follow‐up. Circulating tumor DNA status during follow‐up was correlated to disease recurrence.ResultsSamples were taken from eight patients. Tumor mutations were verified in seven patients. Baseline circulating tumor DNA was positive in six patients. Recurrence occurred in four patients, two of whom had detectable circulating tumor DNA prior to recurrence.ConclusionCirculating tumor DNA is a potential tool for disease and recurrence monitoring following curative therapy in head and neck cancer, allowing for better prognostication, and/or modification of treatment strategies.
Highlights
Head and neck cancer encompasses a heterogenous group of malignancies that occur in several locations along the aerodigestive tract, with squamous cell carcinoma as the most common
We studied the utility of circulating tumor DNA in head and neck cancer patients as a diagnostic tool for disease monitoring and recurrence
Our findings show that plasma circulating tumor DNA is detectable in late stage disease and that plasma circulating tumor DNA positivity for those who receive curative therapy may serve as a biomarker for local recurrence of disease prior to clinical manifestation
Summary
Head and neck cancer encompasses a heterogenous group of malignancies that occur in several locations along the aerodigestive tract, with squamous cell carcinoma as the most common. More prevalent globally, affecting over 500 000 people and leading to death in more than half of these individuals.[1] there has been an increase in the incidence of human papillomavirus associated head and neck cancers. This entity of human papillomavirus positive head and neck cancers accounts for nearly half of the head and neck squamous cell carcinomas diagnosed in the United States, and is associated with an improved prognosis.[2]. Conclusion: Circulating tumor DNA is a potential tool for disease and recurrence monitoring following curative therapy in head and neck cancer, allowing for better prognostication, and/or modification of treatment strategies
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