New Blood Test Detects HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer 10 Years Early

A new federally funded study demonstrates that a liquid biopsy called HPV-DeepSeek can detect HPV-associated head and neck cancers up to 10 years before symptoms appear. HPV causes roughly 70% of these cancers in the U.S., yet no screening test previously existed. Using whole-genome sequencing and machine learning, HPV-DeepSeek identifies microscopic fragments of HPV DNA in the blood with high sensitivity and specificity, potentially enabling earlier, less intensive treatment and improved outcomes.

Researchers are now validating these findings in a larger, blinded study. The work highlights opportunities for earlier cancer detection and innovation in public health screening strategies. Read more from Harvard here.