Decline in circulating viral and human tumor markers after resection of head and neck carcinoma

Background DNA sequencing panels can simultaneously quantify human and viral tumor markers in blood. We explored changes in levels of plasma tumor markers following surgical resection of head and neck carcinoma. Methods In preresection and postresection plasmas, targeted DNA sequencing quantified variants in 28 human cancer genes and levels of oncogenic pathogens (human papillomavirus [HPV], Epstein-Barr virus [EBV],Helicobacter pylori) from 21 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Results Preresection, 11 of 21 patients (52%) had detectable tumor markers in plasma, most commonlyTP53mutation or HPV genome. Several days postresection, levels fell to undetectable in 8 of 10 evaluable patients, while two high-stage patients retained circulating tumor markers. Conclusions Modern sequencing technology can simultaneously quantify human gene variants and oncogenic viral genomes in plasma. Falling levels of cancer-specific markers upon resection can help identify viral and human markers to track at subsequent timepoints as a means to evaluate efficacy of interventions.

Automated summary

Background DNA sequencing panels can quantify human and viral tumor markers in blood simultaneously. The study found that levels of cancer-specific markers decreased after surgical resection, providing a potential method to evaluate efficacy of interventions by tracking viral and human markers over time.