A new research initiative takes on human papillomavirus (HPV) and skin cancer in organ transplant recipients

Project background:

Organ transplant recipients are treated with lifelong, immunosuppressive medications and in consequence, have a markedly increased risk of dermal and mucosal cancers and viral infections. Although most HPV infections resolve spontaneously without treatment, certain HPV types can in rare instances lead to precancerous lesions and cancer in the cervix uteri.  

Project aim:

We plan to assess the long-term effects of immunosuppressive therapies on the skin and mucosa of organ transplant recipients, comparing the prevalence of cervical HPV infection with that of women in the general population. Furthermore, we aim to determine the impact of various factors associated with the risk of skin cancer, HPV infection, and severe cervical precancerous lesions, that may progress to cervical cancer including lifestyle, drugs, sun damage and graft type (i.e. kidney, heart, lung or liver transplant).

The research project will shed light on the risk of HPV infection and skin cancer in organ transplant recipients. In addition, the project endeavors to enhance our understanding of risk factors associated with both conditions, enabling improved preventative strategies towards skin cancer and HPV associated cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer.

The project represents a collaborative effort between doctors at Bispebjerg Hospital, Gentofte Hospital, Zealand University Hospital, Vejle Hospital and the Danish Cancer Society. Principle investigators are Professor Merete Haedersdal from Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital and Professor Susanne Krüger Kjaer from the Danish Cancer Society Research Center. Furthermore, the research team consists of Chief Physician Helle Kiellberg Larsen, Senior registrar Stine Wiegell, Senior researcher Louise Thirstrup Thomsen, Research nurse Benedikte Skov, Research nurse June Svendsen and Project manager Lene Rask.