Award

Prevention of Infection Related Cancers

Description: The goal of this work is to reduce the burden of liver and throat cancers through screening. In the U.S., these two cancers are primarily caused by two different viral infections: chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) which can lead to liver cancer, and human papillomavirus (HPV) which can lead to throat cancer. Our research has shown that HCV screening rates in the state of Florida remain low despite national guidelines for screening, and that providers are aware of the guidelines but experience barriers such as time constraints and uncertainty around HCV treatment. We conducted a multi-level intervention to increase screening among baby boomers in primary care at an academic health system in Florida. Following implementation of this intervention we observed an increase in HCV screening, despite conducting the study during the COVID pandemic. As these are very promising results, we are applying for funds to implement the intervention more broadly. Cases of HPV-related throat cancer have been dramatically increasing in the U.S. As there are no methods to screen for these cancers, they are often diagnosed at late stages. Through a series of studies my team has identified a set of biological markers found in oral gargles that may serve as a screening tool for this cancer. We are submitting a grant proposal in January to validate the utility and replicability of this panel in two different U.S. cancer centers. If successful, the screening tool can increase early detection and reduce morbidity and mortality.

Funder: American Cancer Society

Amount: $400,000

Funding type: award

Start date: 2023-07-01

End date: 2028-06-30

Investigators: Anna Giuliano, Rebecca Nickleson, Virginia Perez, Jarett Rieger, Peter Kanetsky, Christina Craig

Institution: H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Inc

Topic: Hepatitis C virus research

Subfield: Hepatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Funded outputs count: 3