Biomarkers of Kaposi sarcoma recrudescence in Zambia

University Of Zambia, Lusaka

Investigators

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Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The “Role of Human papiloma vírus and HIV in Penile Cancer Progression” study will investigate the association between presence of human papilloma virus (HPV) in penile cancer tumors and HIV co-infection with stage at presentation of penile cancer. Penile cancer is an aggressive malignancy that develops in the skin and tissues of the penis. The etiology of penile cancer is not completely understood. However, several factors including infections (HIV, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), other sexually transmitted infections), poor hygiene, advanced age, smoking, trauma, and inflammatory conditions have been associated with penile cancer development. In our setting, penile cancer patients present at a much younger age, and mostly among HIV infected individuals, than in developed countries. Even though HPV is associated with penile cancer, the presence of HPV in penile cancer ranges from 20-80%. Despite HPV being thought to play a role in penile cancer development, some studies have found that the presence of high-risk HPV in penile tumors is associated with a better outcome. The main objective of this study is to investigate the role of HPV and HIV in penile cancer progression, and to recruit and train an early investigator in the area of HIV-associated malignancies. The site for this study has a high incidence of penile cancer patients. The long-term goal of this study is to determine how the immune response can be utilized in order to limit the progression of penile cancer. Three specific aims will be accomplished: 1) Recruit, support, and mentor Dr. Victor Mapulanga to Study Penile Cancer; 2) Recruit and characterize penile cancer patients clinically, histologically, and by HPV status; and 3) Compare the presence of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, resident memory T cells, and markers of immune exhaustion in penile tumors by HPV and HIV status. In summary, this study will investigate the role of HPV and HIV in penile cancer stage at presentation.