Biomarkers for Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cancer Risk - Studies in HPV Cancer Cohorts
About the project
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Project period: 15.08.2016 - 31.12.2025 (Active)
- Coordinating Institution: Norwegian Institute of Public Health
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Project Manager:
- Mari Kiens Nygård, Folkehelseinstituttet
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Project Participant:
- Mari Kiens Nygård, Folkehelseinstituttet
Summary
Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) causes an increasing number of cancer cases in the throat, vagina, penis, and anus worldwide. Circulating antibodies against HPV16 have been detected up to 10 years before a cancer diagnosis. This indicates an HPV-driven neoplastic process many years before diagnosis and is detectable through a simple, reliable, and highly specific serological biomarker. A blood test based on antibodies against HPV, particularly HPV16 E6, makes it possible to identify individuals at increased risk of developing HPV-related cancers. HPV16 E6 antibodies are rare in healthy individuals. A consortium of multiple prospective cohorts from the USA, Australia, and Europe has been established. The consortium's purpose is, among other things, to evaluate the validity of HPV16 E6 serology as an early biomarker.