Blood test to predict cancer return after head and neck cancer treatment

Researchers are testing whether a blood test called Haystack MRD can predict which patients will develop recurrent head and neck cancer after curative treatment. The test detects tiny pieces of cancer DNA in your bloodstream after you finish surgery or chemotherapy plus radiation. If cancer DNA is found, it may mean cancer could return; if no cancer DNA is detected, you're more likely to stay cancer-free.

Doctors currently cannot reliably predict which patients will experience cancer recurrence after treatment ends. This test could give patients and doctors an early warning—possibly 3 months or more before cancer symptoms reappear—allowing time for faster intervention or closer monitoring.