Abstract
BACKGROUND: Liquid biopsy is a promising new diagnostic tool that is already used in clinical practice for multiple tumor entities and which also has great potential for head and neck cancer. Herein, the authors discuss a selection of publications from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) meetings in 2022. OBJECTIVE: Relevant publications are evaluated and summarized. METHODS: Using a databank inquiry, abstracts from the 2022 ASCO and ESMO conferences regarding liquid biopsy and related diagnostics for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were collected. Work without relevant data and statements of intent were not included. Duplicate articles across conferences were only quoted once. A total of 532 articles were screened, 50 articles were selected for further review, and 9 articles were selected for presentation. RESULTS: Six articles on cell- and RNA-based liquid biopsy and three articles on more general diagnostic tools in the treatment of head and neck cancer are presented. The results are discussed in relation to current treatment standards. CONCLUSION: Multiple studies show promising results for the use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for treatment surveillance in head and neck cancer. Integration into clinical practice will depend on larger study cohorts and sinking costs.