Approximately 90% of anal cancers are caused by HPV, making HPV+ anal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ ASCC) one of the most common HPV-driven cancers in the United States. Incidence has been rising in recent years, with roughly 10,000 new cases diagnosed annually. HPV+ ASCC affects twice as many women as men.
The good news is that chemoradiotherapy (CRT)—the combination of chemotherapy and radiation—is highly effective as a primary treatment for most patients with HPV+ ASCC, and many achieve a complete response. But recurrence after treatment remains a real risk and catching it early can make a meaningful difference in what treatment options are available.
Studies show that 20–30% of HPV+ anal cancer patients may experience persistent disease or recurrence after treatment. Most recurrences occur within the first two years, which is why regular surveillance during the first years after treatment is so important.
Published studies show that the NavDx® test can detect HPV+ anal cancer recurrence earlier than standard surveillance methods. In a multi-institutional study of 117 patients, the NavDx test detected recurrence a median of 59 days before it was identified by clinical exam or imaging.4
That time matters. When recurrence is found earlier:
HPV+ anal cancer can be
detected by the NavDx test a median of
59 days earlier
then imaging or physical exam4
58%
of patients’ first sign of recurrence was NavDx testing4
One of the most anxiety-producing experiences during post-treatment surveillance is an inconclusive result, when a scan or physical exam leaves your care team uncertain about what they are seeing. That uncertainty can mean more tests, more waiting, and sometimes an invasive procedure just to get clarity.
Because the NavDx test looks for a specific, measurable marker in your blood rather than interpreting images, inconclusive results are rare. Here is how it compares to standard surveillance methods in a study of HPV+ anal cancer patients:4
| 39.9% | Received at least one inconclusive result from imaging and/or digital anorectal exam (DARE) during follow-up |
| 1.9% | Received an inconclusive NavDx result |
The NavDx test was also able to accurately resolve 94.3% of the inconclusive findings from imaging and digital anorectal exam (DARE), giving those patients and their Providers clarity on their cancer status with a single blood draw.4
For many patients, the reassurance of a negative NavDx test result is just as valuable as catching recurrence early. Because NavDx testing is highly accurate, a negative result means a very strong likelihood that there was no detectable disease at the time of testing.
Research in HPV+ cancer patients has shown that negative test results can significantly lower fear of cancer recurrence—a measurable reduction in distress and anxiety after receiving a negative result.41 NavDx testing doesn’t just detect recurrence. When results are negative, it can actively improve your confidence and quality of life between surveillance visits.
| ≥92%
of patients with consistently negative TTMV Scores had no cancer recurrence4 |
98%
of patients without recurrence received a negative result — very few false alarms4 |
92.5%
chance you are cancer-free when your NavDx result is negative4 |
How Often Will I Need Testing?
Your Provider will determine the schedule that is right for your specific situation, but the following reflects the general testing interval allowed by Medicare in surveillance, which is similar to published follow-up guidelines:
| Years post-treatment | Years 1, 2, 3 | Years 4 and 5 |
| HPV+ Anal Cancer | 4 tests / year | 2 tests / year |
Coverage and Financial Assistance.
NavDx testing is covered by a growing number of commercial insurance companies, as well as Medicare for HPV+ anal cancer surveillance. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.
Learn More → [link to Insurance & Billing page]
