STAGE ISSS: Paul Brennan

Join us for the next instalment of the STAGE International Speaker Seminar Series (ISSS) with

Paul Brennan

Head, Section of Genetics
Head, Genetic Epidemiology Group
International Agency for Research on
Cancer (IARC/WHO)
Lyon, France

Talk Title:

What proportion of oropharynx cancers are caused by HPV, and can we use HPV antibodies to identify them early?

Abstract:

Oropharynx cancers are increasing in many parts of the world and are
set to become the leading HPV associated cancer in North America
by 2020. HPV16 E6 antibodies appear to be a sensitive and specific
marker for HPV associated oropharynx cancer and can be used to
estimate the proportion of oropharynx cancers caused by HPV in
different populations. They also appear to be present up to 15 years
before the onset of clinical symptoms, proving a possible biomarker for
accurate identification of individuals at very high risk of developing this
cancer. Finally, they are also potentially a strong marker of good clinical
response to treatment and survival.

Speaker Profile:

Paul Brennan, PhD, is the Head of the Genetics Section of the
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon,
France. The research focus of his group has two primary aims (i)
identifying cancer predisposition genes through either genotyping or
sequencing of very large numbers of cases and controls, and (ii) using
biomarkers to help identify non-genetic risk factors for cancer, and
even help identify early stage cancers. His group works with colleagues
in many different parts of the world, with active field work studies
underway in central and eastern Europe, central and south-east Asia,
and Latin America

Speaker Poster:

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