Sensitive and Specific Droplet Digital PCR Assays for Circulating Tumor HPV DNA: Development, Validation, and Clinical Application in HPV-Associated Cancers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has emerged as a significant contributor to cancer incidence globally, particularly in the context of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and cancer of unknown primary (HNCUP). This study aimed to develop and validate droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays for the detection of circulating tumor HPV DNA (ctHPV-DNA) in plasma, focusing on high-risk HPV genotypes associated with these cancers.

Methods

ddPCR assays for HPV16, 18, 33, 35, 56, and 59 were developed and tested using gBlocks, HPV cell-free DNA, fragmented tumor HPV+ DNA, and plasma samples from patients with HPV+ OPSCC (n = 110) and HNCUP (n = 9).

Results

Assays demonstrated robust technical sensitivity across all tested HPV genotypes. Clinical application of the as

SUBMITTER: Qvick A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11512825 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature