Circulating human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA for post-treatment surveillance of HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC)

Co Investigator

HPV is an established cause of the majority of oropharyngeal cancer cases in Australia, with incidence rates continuing to rise. Despite its favourable prognosis with current treatments, post-treatment surveillance for HPV-OPSCC remains challenging, requiring frequent visits to tertiary hospitals for clinical assessments and imaging. This imposes a significant burden on patients in terms of time and cost, as well as on the healthcare system. Models suggest that incorporating circulating tumour biomarkers into surveillance protocols offers a more cost-effective alternative while maintaining clinical efficacy [1]. The detection of HPV DNA in the blood (circulating HPV DNA, or cHPV-DNA) has shown promise as a non-invasive biomarker that can reliably identify disease recurrence before clinical symptoms or imaging abnormalities arise [2]. This early detection has the potential to enable timely salvage treatments, improving survival rates and reducing treatment-associated morbidity. Our project aims to establish a highly sensitive and specific method for detecting cHPV-DNA in patient blood using state-of-the-art biotechnology, such as digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) or next-generation sequencing (NGS). By optimizing assay sensitivity and validating its clinical utility, we intend to create a robust platform for post-treatment monitoring of cancer recurrence. This research will also explore the integration of cHPV-DNA testing into current surveillance frameworks, with the goal of reducing patient visits and reliance on resource-intensive imaging. Additionally, the project has the potential to contribute to the development of personalized, response-adapted treatment strategies for HPV-OPSCC, by identifying patients at higher risk of recurrence or those who may benefit from de-escalated therapy.

01 Jun 2025 - 31 May 2027

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