Detection of Circulating HPV16 DNA as a Biomarker for Cervical Cancer by a Bead-Based HPV Genotyping Assay
Luisa Galati, Jean‐Damien Combes, Florence Le Calvez‐Kelm, Sandrine McKay‐Chopin, Nathalie Forey, Mathis Ratel, James McKay, Tim Waterboer, Lea Schroeder, Gary M. Clifford, Massimo Tommasino, Tarik Gheit
Abstract
The validity of HPV ctDNA as a marker of HPV-driven cancers has been previously reported. Herein we validated an alternative to ddPCR for HPV16 ctDNA detection, using a bead-based HPV genotyping assay that offers the potential advantage of reducing the cost of clinical management due to the multiplex capability of the test, thus facilitating its use in clinical settings. In addition, we analyzed HPV ctDNA in the context of E6 antibodies as an additional HPV marker. The HPV16 ctDNA biomarker appeared to be highly specific and, to a lesser extent, sensitive for the detection of CC, mainly indicated for those at an advanced tumor stage. In this proof-of-principle study, E6 antibodies were mainly detected in early tumor stages of CC, while HPV ctDNA was mainly positive at advanced tumor stages.