Ultrasensitive blood test predicts head and neck cancer relapse months earlier

medicalxpress - A new study by investigators from Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute has found that an ultrasensitive blood test called HPV-DeepSeek could help identify which people with HPV-associated head and neck cancer still had cancer cells in their bodies after …

AI Summary: Researchers validated an ultrasensitive HPV whole‑genome sequencing blood assay that detects minimal residual disease after surgery for HPV‑positive head and neck cancer, flagging relapse months before clinical signs. Early detection could enable earlier salvage therapy and closer surveillance, potentially changing follow‑up care and improving outcomes for this patient group.