Methods: Population of healthy people without HPV-OPSCC, but at increased risk of oral HPV infection. Plasma HPVDNA prevalence estimates were calculated. Concordance across biomarkers (Oral HPVDNA, Serum E6 antibodies) was explored by cross-tabulation and calculation of Cohens κappa.

Why: To provide clarity for whether detectable HPVDNA is present in the plasma of healthy controls without cancer, with or at risk for oral HPV and how it compares to established OPC biomarkers.

Findings and significance: Plasma HPVDNA among 408 cancer controls was null, even though rinse HPVDNA and E6 serum antibodies were detected. Plasma HPVDNA possibly reflects a part further along HPV-OPC natural history and has better specificity than alternate biomarkers