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Gynecologic (GYN) SPOREs

Gynecologic (GYN) cancer SPOREs support translational research in cervical and endometrial cancers.  In 2006, there are currently two GYN SPOREs, one in cervical and one in endometrial cancer, which were originally supported in 2003.  Cervical cancer development is driven by the transforming abilities of viral infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), while the etiology of endometrial cancer is associated with hormonal and other environmental (e.g, obesity, insulin effects) influences. Although the incidence of cervical cancer is fairly low in the United States due to the advent of the "pap" smear test (9,710 new cases and 3,700 deaths in 2006), it is a major health threat in third World and developing countries and the overall world-wide incidence approaches 400,000 cases per year. Major activities within the Cervical SPORE include developing better screening, prevention, and therapeutic tools.  In an effort to develop and test novel therapeutic and preventative agents, the Cervical SPORE has a screening project in rural India and multiple interactions with the NCI RAID (Rapid Access to Intervention Development), Intramural Programs as well as outside companies, foundations and universities.   On the other hand, endometrial cancer is expected to be diagnosed in 41,200 women in the United States in 2006 and result in 7,350 deaths. The Endometrial Cancer SPORE is studying the effects of obesity and insulin resistance on the development of endometrial cancer, as well as testing novel treatment and preventative agents and developing predictive/progression biomarkers. This SPORE has a developmental program and annual symposium that reach out to investigators within the United States to help support and unify translational activities within this cancer site.

To view the associated abstract, click on the name/address below.

Karen H. Lu, M.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Gynecologic Oncology
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
1155 Pressler Street, Unit 1362
Houston, TX 77030
Tel: (713) 795-8902
Fax: (713) 792-7586

For more information on this specific SPORE's institution, please visit: http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/
spores/display.cfm?
id=eaa7e8fe-779b-11d4-aec300508bdcce3a&method=displayfull

T.C. Wu, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor
Departments of Pathology, Oncology,
Obstetrics and Gynecology and
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
CRB II Room 309
1550 Orleans St.
Baltimore, MD 21231
Tel: (410) 614-3899/Fax: (443) 287-4295
Email:
wutc@jhmi.edu
For more information on this specific SPORE's institution, please visit: http://pathology2.jhu.edu/ccspore/index.html


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