Liquid Biopsies in Neo-Adjuvant Head & Neck Cancer: Personalizing Therapy, Reducing Toxicity

We are privileged to have Dr. Ari Rosenberg, MD, and Dr. Maha Elsebaie, MD, MSc, from the University of Chicago, join us to discuss groundbreaking research in neoadjuvant head and neck cancer treatment. This episode explores how circulating HPV DNA, measured through a simple blood test, is emerging as a powerful tool to guide therapy decisions, personalize treatment, and potentially reduce the need for aggressive surgery or radiation.

The discussion highlights early results from trials combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy before standard treatment, showing promising improvements in tumor response while reducing long-term side effects. This research is shaping the future of HPV-related head and neck cancer care and could change how clinicians plan treatments—bringing us closer to a more precise and less invasive approach.