Tumor-informed ctDNA assay to predict recurrence in locally advanced squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN)

作者：Natasha Honoré, George Laliotis, Vasily N. Aushev, С. А. Величко, Charuta C. Palsuledesai, Hajar Dahou, Cédric van Marcke, Rachel Galot, Min Liu, J-P. Machiels · 发表于：ESMO Open · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.esmoop.2025.104534 · 被引用次数：13 · 研究领域：Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics、Head and Neck Cancer Studies、Cancer Cells and Metastasis

BACKGROUND: Despite multimodal treatment, locally advanced (LA) squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) has a recurrence rate of ∼50%. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a potential biomarker for minimal residual disease detection after curative-intent treatment. This strategy could be used to identify the patients at greater risk of recurrence, for whom extended or intensified therapy and/or surveillance imaging may be considered. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A personalized, tumor-informed 16-plex multiplex PCR-next-generation sequencing assay was used for the detection of ctDNA in banked plasma samples collected pre-treatment (baseline time point) and within 12 weeks from the end of curative-intent treatment (post-treatment time point). The primary and secondary endpoints were recurrence-free-survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of post-treatment ctDNA-positive and -negative patients, respectively. RESULTS: Out of a cohort of 50 patients with LA SCCHN, personalized ctDNA assays were successfully designed for 43 patients. Among these 43 patients, ctDNA was detected in 42 of 43 (97.6%) patients at baseline. At the post-treatment time point, ctDNA was detected in 4 of 42 (9.5%) patients, 3 of whom relapsed. Of the 43 patients, 11 (26%) experienced disease recurrence within 2 years of follow-up. Patients with post-treatment ctDNA positivity demonstrated a significantly inferior RFS and OS (P ≤ 0.05), compared with ctDNA-negative patients. The median lead ti...