The success of cell free (cf)HPV-DNA as a tool in the detection of recurrences following definitive radiation for p16(+) oropharyngeal cancer left us all wondering if it could be similarly used as primary screening for HPV-related cancers in the future. What higher-yield population to test such a strategy than for HIV+ patients? Anal and vaginal swabs for HPV plus cfHPV-DNA (types 16/18/33) serum testing were performed in 40 patients with HIV, half with known anal HSIL and half without. Despite a solid 85% having anovaginal HPV detected via swab, zero had measurable cfHPV-DNA , supporting the potential specificity of serum cfHPV-DNA screening for HPV-related malignancies. | Grant, JAIDS 2023
