Biomarker Test Boosts HPV Throat Cancer Risk Check

A new blood-based biomarker test could help personalize treatment and surveillance for patients with HPV-associated throat cancer.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up X-ray photograph revealing the intricate internal structures of the human throat, with glowing lines highlighting the complex anatomy in a conceptual illustration of a new biomarker test for throat cancer.A new biomarker test could help doctors better personalize treatment for patients with HPV-associated throat cancer, reducing side effects while ensuring they receive the care they need.Columbus Today

Researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that a blood-based biomarker test for circulating tumor HPV DNA (ctDNA) can provide valuable insights to help personalize treatment and surveillance for patients with HPV-associated throat cancer. The study, published in JAMA Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, followed 104 patients and found that ctDNA levels are influenced by tumor biology and patient factors, and that the test can help detect residual disease and refine risk stratification when combined with standard pathology after surgery.

Why it matters

HPV-associated throat cancer is a growing concern, with over 22,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the U.S. While this type of cancer responds well to treatment, the radiation and chemotherapy can have significant long-term side effects that impact patient quality of life. This new biomarker test has the potential to help doctors better tailor treatment plans to reduce unnecessary side effects while ensuring patients receive the therapy they need.

The details

The study followed 104 adult patients treated for HPV-associated throat cancer between September 2021 and April 2025. All patients underwent surgery to remove the cancer, with additional radiation and/or chemotherapy recommended based on pathologic risk factors. Circulating tumor HPV DNA (ctDNA) was tested before surgery in all patients, and after surgery (prior to radiation) in 74 patients. The researchers found that pretreatment ctDNA levels are influenced by tumor biology and kidney function, while postoperative ctDNA reflects both residual cancer and baseline tumor DNA levels. This means the test needs to be interpreted in the proper context, as a positive result after surgery may indicate higher risk, but a negative result does not always mean a patient is in the clear.

  • The study followed patients treated for HPV-associated throat cancer between September 2021 and April 2025.
  • Circulating tumor HPV DNA (ctDNA) was tested before surgery in all 104 patients, and after surgery (prior to radiation) in 74 patients.

The players

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.

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC - James)

The research institution where the study was conducted.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We know that more than 90% of throat cancer cases are caused by HPV. 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.”

— Catherine Haring, MD, Otolaryngologist and Assistant Professor

“We found that the pretreatment ctDNA levels are influenced by tumor biology and kidney function. Postoperative ctDNA reflects both residual cancer and baseline tumor DNA levels. This means the test needs to be interpreted in context. A positive result after surgery may indicate higher risk, but a negative result does not always mean a patient is in the clear.”

— Catherine Haring, MD, Otolaryngologist and Assistant Professor

What’s next

Future research will focus on improving the sensitivity of ctDNA testing and integrating it into multifactorial risk models that combine biomarker data with traditional clinical and pathologic risk factors to better personalize care for patients with HPV-associated throat cancer.

The takeaway

This new blood-based biomarker test for circulating tumor HPV DNA has the potential to revolutionize how doctors personalize treatment and surveillance for patients with HPV-associated throat cancer, helping to reduce unnecessary side effects while ensuring patients receive the appropriate therapy.