Real-time Detection of ctDNA and/or HPV DNA in High-risk Locally-advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This research study will include patients with high risk locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx or larynx and patients that are starting on standard definitive treatment. Patients with both stage III HPV positive and stage III HPV negative will be included. In this study, we aim to evaluate feasibility of ctDNA and/or HPV DNA detection in real time in high-risk LA-HNSCC.

Inclusion Criteria: * Histologically or cytological confirmed LA-HNSCC of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx. * Stage III HPV Positive or Stage III-IV HPV negative. * Availability of tumor sample * Patients who are candidates for standard definitive treatment defined as: * Surgery followed by radiotherapy +/- chemotherapy OR * Definite radiotherapy OR * Definite chemoradiotherapy. Exclusion Criteria: * Early stage HNSCC (I and II) * Distant metastatic HNSCC