HPV and skin cancer in organ transplant patients
Transplanted patients are undergoing long-term immunosuppressive treatment, which increases the risk of skin cancer and virus infections on the skin and mucous membranes, as the treatment inhibits the immune system's ability to detect cell changes.
The project aims to investigate the long-term effects of immunosuppressive medication on the skin and mucous membranes after organ transplantation. We will analyze the occurrence of HPV infection on the cervix among transplanted women compared to those with normal immune function, as well as sun damage and skin cancer among transplanted men and women. We will also examine factors such as lifestyle, medication, sun damage, and type of transplanted organ (kidney, heart, lung, liver) associated with the risk of skin cancer and HPV infections, including cell changes on the cervix that can lead to cancer.
This research project will provide insight into the actual risk of HPV infection, severe cell changes on the cervix, and skin cancer among organ transplant recipients and identify risk factors that can be used for better prevention and early detection of these diseases.
Researchers
Project Nurse Benedikte Skov
Project Nurse Camilla Kløve Larsen
Medical Student Inge Kongstad Petersen
PhD Student Kevin Jacobsen
Chief Physician Stine Wiegell
Chief Physician Helle Kiellberg Larsen
Chief Physician Ulrikke Lei
Physician Gabrielle Randskov Vinding
Project Manager Lene Rask
Project supervisors
Professor, Chief Physician Merete Hædersdal
Professor, Chief Physician Susanne Krüger Kjær
Project period
Year 2022 - 2027
Project collaborators
Dermatology Department, Gentofte Hospital, Ass. Professor Claus Zachariae
Dermatology Department, Zealand University Hospital – Roskilde, Professor Gregor Jemec
Clinical Pathology, Vejle Hospital
The Danish Cancer Society
Financing
The Danish Research Center for Skin cancer
The Danish Cancer Society
SCIN-CAG