Biomarker-Based Evaluation of Treatment Response and Surveillance of HPV-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose of Review: To summarize and critically review recent literature concerning plasma and oral rinse biomarker-based evaluation of treatment response and disease surveillance for HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Recent Findings: Quantification of HPV in plasma and oral rinse samples holds promise for predicting response to treatment and surveying for disease recurrence. Detection of mutations and epigenetic changes in circulating tumor DNA may be similarly impactful for both HPV-associated and non-HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Summary: Quantification of HPV DNA copy number and detection of mutations but not pre-treatment and/or post-treatment antibody titer is a promising avenue for surveying for treatment response and disease recurrence. Standardization of assay procedures and studies with larger numbers of patients is needed to better understand the prognostic value of plasma and oral rinse surveillance for HPV-associated HNSCC.