Cell-free Tumor DNA in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Cell-free Tumor DNAand HPV-DNA in Blood Samples From Newly Diagnosed Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

This study investigates if head and neck squamous cell carcinoma can be tracked with cell-free tumor DNA, RNA or HPV-DNA, in blood samples from patients referred with suspicion of cancer, and if it can be used in detecting recurrence in patients already diagnosed and treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients 18 years old or older
• Suspicion of head and neck cancer

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with cancer within the last 3 years ( apart from basal cell carcinoma)
• Diagnosed with an inflammatory or haematological disease after the age of 18
• Received chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment within the last 3 years
• Underwent a FNA ( fine-needle aspiration biopsy) or a biopsy from the head and neck region within 1 week.