For Patients with HPV+ Cancer.

Know More. Worry Less.

About HPV+ Head & Neck Cancer.

Most HPV+ head & neck cancers are oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the throat, tonsils, or base of the tongue). HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer (HPV+ OPSCC) is now the most common HPV-associated cancer in the United States.

The good news is that HPV+ OPSCC generally responds well to treatment, and outcomes have improved significantly over the past two decades. But recurrence after treatment remains a real risk and catching it early matters.

Studies show that up to 25% of HPV+ head & neck cancer patients may experience recurrence after treatment. Most recurrences occur within the first two to three years, which is why regular surveillance is so important.

Earlier Detection.

Published studies consistently show that routine NavDx® testing can detect HPV+ head & neck cancer recurrence earlier than standard surveillance methods. In clinical studies, the NavDx test detected recurrence a median of 4 months earlier than imaging or physical exam.

That time matters. When recurrence is found earlier:

More treatment options may be available
Targeted approaches, such as surgically removing a small nodule or using limited directed radiation, may be possible in place of more aggressive systemic chemoradiation
The chance for successful treatment is greatest

Fewer Inconclusive Results. Clearer Answers.

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. In a study of 543 HPV+ head & neck cancer patients:³⁹

The NavDx test was also able to accurately resolve 97.5% of the inconclusive findings from imaging and physical exam, giving those patients and their Providers clarity on their cancer status with a single blood draw.³⁹

Greater Assurance and Peace of Mind.

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.

A published study examining patient-reported outcomes found that negative NavDx test results significantly lowered patient-reported distress and anxiety.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.

How Often Will I Need Testing?

Expert consensus from specialists in HPV+ head & neck cancer supports regular NavDx testing after treatment beginning at 3 months.¹¹ Your Provider will determine the schedule that is right for your specific situation, but the following reflects the testing interval allowed by Medicare:

Being Informed is Part of Taking Care of Yourself.

After treatment for HPV+ anal cancer, questions don’t stop and answers can be hard to find in language that actually makes sense. Visit our growing library of educational resources created for HPV+ anal cancer patients and their caregivers.

Whether you’re trying to understand your TTMV Score, prepare for a conversation with your Provider, or simply learn more about what surveillance after treatment looks like, you’ll find resources here to help.

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Life after treatment for HPV+ anal cancer comes with questions, emotions, and practical challenges that go beyond the clinic. Whether you’re looking for connection with others who understand what you’ve been through, guidance on managing side effects, help with financial concerns, or simply someone to talk to, support is available. Visit the organizations below for a variety of resources for HPV+ anal cancer patients and their caregivers. These organizations are independent of Naveris but share our commitment to helping patients live well after cancer treatment.

American Cancer Society <<cancer.org>>
24/7 hotline (800-227-2345), anal cancer discussion board, Hope Lodge lodging, transport to treatment, financial referrals

Anal Cancer Foundation <<analcancerfoundation.org>>
Peer-to-peer patient matching, support groups, clinical trial navigation, patient hotline (646-593-7739); founded by anal cancer survivors

CancerCare <<cancercare.org>>
Free counseling, support groups, financial assistance; publishes a dedicated Coping With Anal Cancer booklet

Cancer Support Community <<cancersupportcommunity.org>>
175+ locations; counseling, support groups, helpline (866-272-5309)

Cheeky Charity <<cheekycharity.org>>
Virtual support groups (bi-monthly), patient/survivor guides, LGBTQ+-focused outreach (PrideCare program); queer-led, strong for ASCC’s at-risk populations

COLONTOWN (ANALWISE) <<colontown.org>>
100+ private support groups including ANALWISE — a dedicated anal cancer program; peer consultation, clinical trial info

Colorectal Cancer Alliance <<colorectalcancer.org>>
Patient helpline (877-422-2030), BlueHQ resource portal, financial assistance, support groups

Fight Colorectal Cancer <<fightcolorectalcancer.org>>
Patient helpline (877-427-2111), educational resources (English + Spanish), advocacy, clinical trial guidance

HPV Cancers Alliance <<hpvca.org>>
Education, stigma reduction, survivor support; co-founded by Marcia Cross (anal cancer survivor) — strong HPV-to-cancer connection

Imerman Angels <<imermanangels.org>>
One-on-one peer mentoring — matches patients with trained cancer survivor mentors

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Patient Resources <<nccn.org/patients>>
Free patient-language treatment guidelines by cancer type

National Cancer Institute (NCI) / Cancer.gov <<cancer.gov>>
Federal cancer info hotline, clinical trial matching, patient education

Patient Advocate Foundation <<patientadvocate.org>>
Co-pay relief, insurance navigation, case management

Coverage and Financial Assistance.

NavDx testing is covered by a growing number of commercial insurance companies, as well as Medicare for specific indications. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

Learn More