Cell-Free DNA Kinetics in a Pre-Clinical Model of Head and Neck Cancer.

ABSTRACT: In cancer patients, circulating tumour-derived DNA (ctDNA) levels imperfectly reflect disease burden apparent on medical imaging. Further evaluation of ctDNA levels over time is needed to better understand the correlation with tumour growth and therapeutic response. We describe ctDNA kinetics within an orthotopic, immunocompetent preclinical rabbit model of local-regionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Monitoring primary tumour and metastatic lymph node volume by computed tomography (CT), we observed a correlation between ctDNA levels and tumour burden. We found that ctDNA detection could precede evidence of tumour on CT. Sensitivity and specificity of ctDNA detection in this model was 90.2% (95% C.I.: 76.9-97.3%) and 85.7% (95% C.I.: 67.3-96.0%), respectively. R

SUBMITTER: Muhanna N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5711859 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature