Non-invasive head and neck cancer test developed

Researchers have developed a urine-based test to detect head and neck cancer, opening the door to more accessible and less invasive screening options. 

Taking a whole genome sequencing approach, the team identified transrenal ctDNA (TR-ctDNA) and subsequently developed an ultrashort droplet digital PCR assay that was able to successfully detect TR-ctDNA originating from HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

“One of the most remarkable outcomes of this study is that the test that has been developed has detected cancer recurrences far earlier than would typically happen based on clinical imaging,” explained J. Chad Brenner (University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center, MI, USA), co-senior author of the study.

“Our findings about the difference in ctDNA fragment sizes and the test we developed for HPV-positive head and neck cancer detection provide crucial information on how urine-based diagnostic assays can be developed for different cancers,” added co-first author Chandan Bhambhan.

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