Researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center are advancing the understanding of a promising blood test that could personalize treatment and surveillance for patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated throat cancer. The research, published in JAMA Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, explores how a blood-based test, circulating tumor HPV DNA (ctDNA), changes before and after surgery. The study explores how tumor biology and patient factors influence ctDNA levels. The findings provide important new insight into how this ctDNA test can be used along with pathology reports to improve risk assessment and personalize treatment plans.

“We know that more than 90% of throat cancer cases are caused by HPV,” said Catherine Haring, MD, an otolaryngologist specializing in head and neck cancers and an assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “While this type of cancer responds well to treatment, patient quality of life is impacted by radiation and chemotherapy. Improved biomarkers could help us better tailor treatment to reduce unnecessary side effects while ensuring patients receive the therapy they need.”

Full article: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-biomarker-hpv-throat-cancer.html