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Study Finds ctDNA Testing Enhances HPV Throat Cancer Treatment

4/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study of 104 patients with HPV-linked throat cancer found that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing can guide post-surgery treatment decisions.
The study, published in JAMA Otolaryngology, notes that a positive ctDNA result may signal higher recurrence risk.
Dr. Catherine Haring of Ohio State University notes that a negative ctDNA result does not guarantee safety.
The researchers plan to improve ctDNA test sensitivity.

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Story summary

A study of 104 patients with HPV-linked throat cancer found that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing can guide post-surgery treatment decisions.
The study, published in JAMA Otolaryngology, notes that a positive ctDNA result may signal higher recurrence risk.
Dr. Catherine Haring of Ohio State University notes that a negative ctDNA result does not guarantee safety.
The researchers plan to improve ctDNA test sensitivity.