Understanding Causes of Cervical Cancer — The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded Dr. Robert Burk a five-year, $2.7 million renewal grant to continue studying the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in cervical cancer. While HPV vaccination is now common, it does not shield against all types of HPV and does not protect women currently infected with high-risk HPV from cervical cancer. Dr. Burk and colleagues will focus on viral CpG methylation, the cervical microbiome and viral genetic polymorphisms that contribute to progression of high-risk HPV infections into precancer and cancer. These studies could lead to new strategies for prevention, screening and therapy of cervical precancer and cancer. Dr. Burk is professor of obstetrics & gynecology and women’s health, of epidemiology & population health, of pediatrics and of microbiology & immunology. He is also vice chair for translational research in pediatrics.
Posted on: Monday, September 08, 2014