Analysis of Plasma Epstein–Barr Virus DNA to Screen for Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Abstract

Analysis of EBV DNA in plasma samples was useful in screening for early asymptomatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma was detected significantly earlier and outcomes were better in participants who were identified by screening than in those in a historical cohort. (Funded by the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation and the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong government; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02063399 .).

Are Liquid Biopsies Applied Across Every Type of Solid Tumours?

“…The authors concluded that EBV DNA detected in blood samples is a good biomarker for screening asymptomatic patients, and this study also demonstrated a high sensitivity and specificity in the results [19].…”

“…Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA samples have been withdrawn from asymptomatic participants and also from patients with positive results for nasopharyngeal cancer, in a prospective study [19]. The authors concluded that EBV DNA detected in blood samples is a good biomarker for screening asymptomatic patients, and this study also demonstrated a high sensitivity and specificity in the results [19].…”

Beating 'Guangdong cancer': a review and update on nasopharyngeal cancer

“…27 An expanded phase II study involving over 20 000 participants to evaluate its feasibility as a screening tool (NCT02063399) has just been completed, showing excellent sensitivity and specificity (97.1% and 98.6%, respectively). 28 Participants who were identified with NPC by this screening tool were detected significantly earlier and with better outcome when compared with those in a historical control. 28 …”

“…28 Participants who were identified with NPC by this screening tool were detected significantly earlier and with better outcome when compared with those in a historical control. 28 …”

Understanding and Improving Diagnostic Tests: The Clinician Perspective

“…Interestingly, current state-of-the-art diagnostic studies with promising findings and favourable clinical utilities are often targeted on the use of cell-free nucleic acids as biomarkers [17, 18]. This may be because specific nucleic acids are often considered unique signatures of specific diseases.…”