Presentation Type

Oral/Paper Presentation

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the cervix, causing a tumor to form, Cervical cancer is most commonly diagnosed in middle aged women with thousands of new cases reported each year. The highest risk factor for cervical cancer is human papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus spread through skin-to-skin contact. Treatment options may vary, but today there is an effective vaccine to HPV, Gardasil 9. Despite this vaccination, HPV related cancer contributes to 5% of all cancer as well as the fourth most common cancer in women, cervical cancer. Over 90% of cervical cancer is directly caused by human papillomavirus. In cervical cancer, the tumor suppressor p53 is either mutated or inactivated, but when functioning normally will cause DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis or senescence to prevent tumor growth. In cervical cancer HPV’s viral E6 proteins target p53 for ubiquitination leading to its destruction. Because of this, p53 will no longer act as a tumor suppressor which will contribute to tumor growth. Furthermore, this can cause an increased resistance to treatment options such as radiation and chemotherapy. Therefore, increased vaccination rates and a greater understanding of p53 is critical to better treatment options in cervical cancer.

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Joshua Owens

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The Impact of p53 in Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the cervix, causing a tumor to form, Cervical cancer is most commonly diagnosed in middle aged women with thousands of new cases reported each year. The highest risk factor for cervical cancer is human papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus spread through skin-to-skin contact. Treatment options may vary, but today there is an effective vaccine to HPV, Gardasil 9. Despite this vaccination, HPV related cancer contributes to 5% of all cancer as well as the fourth most common cancer in women, cervical cancer. Over 90% of cervical cancer is directly caused by human papillomavirus. In cervical cancer, the tumor suppressor p53 is either mutated or inactivated, but when functioning normally will cause DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis or senescence to prevent tumor growth. In cervical cancer HPV’s viral E6 proteins target p53 for ubiquitination leading to its destruction. Because of this, p53 will no longer act as a tumor suppressor which will contribute to tumor growth. Furthermore, this can cause an increased resistance to treatment options such as radiation and chemotherapy. Therefore, increased vaccination rates and a greater understanding of p53 is critical to better treatment options in cervical cancer.

 

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