Prognostic Value of Tumor-Informed Circulating Tumor DNA in HPV–Independent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Among patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with curative-intent surgery, is minimal residual disease (MRD) detection using a tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA–based assay prognostic for recurrence-free or overall survival?In this cohort study including 40 patients with locally advanced HNSCC, 38 of whom had human papillomavirus–independent disease, MRD positivity during the first 6 weeks after completing treatment and during surveillance was associated with worse recurrence-free and overall survival.Tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA MRD detection after treatment completion may serve as a noninvasive, prognostic biomarker in patients with human papillomavirus–independent HNSCC.

Corresponding Author: Daniel L. Faden, MD, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, 243 Charles St, Boston, MA 02124 (dfaden@mgb.org).

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