Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted infection. Over 70 percent of sexually active Canadians may get it at some point. While most HPV infections get better on their own, some continue and can cause cancer, particularly in the throat, anus and cervix. Current screening methods like imaging have limitations in detecting if cancer returns, highlighting the need for better tools.

This project aims to improve the treatment and monitoring of HPV-associated cancers using a new test involving circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). ctDNA is a fragment of tumor DNA found in the blood. Studies have shown that ctDNA can be used to monitor how well a person responds to treatment with levels of accuracy.

We will validate this approach by comparing ctDNA levels in blood samples with those from tumor biopsies in patients with throat, cervical and anal cancers. We will recruit 30 patients –10 from each cancer type – and analyze their blood samples before and after treatment. We will assess how well this method works.

We will also explore the different subtypes of HPV present in cancer samples to understand their roles in how a person responds to treatment and if their cancer returns.

Our long-term goal is to establish ctDNA as a reliable tool that will improve patient outcomes. This pilot study will lay the groundwork for future studies and potentially lead to more effective screening programs, tailored treatments, and better prognosis for those affected by HPV-related cancers.