HPV circulating tumor DNA to monitor response to pembrolizumab and vorinostat combination in patients with advanced HPV-related squamous-cell carcinomas.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Limited data are available on the role of human papillomavirus circulating tumor DNA (HPV-ctDNA) as a pharmacodynamic marker to monitor the response to treatment in the recurrent/metastatic (R/M) setting. Our study aimed to investigate the sensitivity and pharmacodynamic value of HPV-ctDNA levels during treatment in patients with R/M HPV-related squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with pembrolizumab in combination with vorinostat (PEVO trial, NCT04357873).

Materials and methods

Plasma samples were prospectively collected from 57 patients with HPV-related SCC before treatment initiation and every 6 weeks until disease progression. HPV-ctDNA was quantified by droplet digital PCR. The levels before treatment were analyzed according to the patient and tumor characte

SUBMITTER: Filippini DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12804039 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature