Chronic Infection, Inflammation and Cancer: A Global Opportunity for Cancer Prevention
In his opening remarks, Dr. Andrew Dannenberg, Chairperson of the Scientific Program Committee for the Sixth Annual American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research meeting, emphasized that no less than 15-20% of the world�s cancer burden can be attributed to chronic infectious diseases. Examples of viral, bacterial and parasitic causes of cancer were presented including: chronic hepatitis B & C > hepatocellular carcinoma; human papillomavirus (HPV) > cervical and oropharyngeal cancer; Epstein Barr Virus> nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt�s lymphoma; KSHV > Kaposi�s sarcoma; Helicobacter pylori > gastric carcinoma and MALT lymphoma; Schistosomiasis > bladder cancer. He also indicated that the role of infection in causing other common malignancies including cancers of the prostate and colon was being actively investigated. In recognition of this being the 100th anniversary of the AACR, Dr. Dannenberg provided a historical overview of some key discoveries concerning Hepatitis B and HPV that led to the successful development of vaccines that prevent cancers of the liver and cervix, respectively. Given the established link between infection, inflammation and cancer, the potential use of targeted therapies to reduce inflammation was discussed as a potential strategy to reduce the risk of cancer in infected individuals. Dr. Dannenberg highlighted some of the major challenges that lie ahead in translating outstanding science into improved global health. For example, the current HPV vaccine is very costly and requires both refrigeration and multiple injections limiting its use in the developing world where the greatest number of cervical cancer deaths occur. The challenge of developing vaccines and anti-infectives for other cancer causing organisms including Helicobacter pylori was discussed. More than 700 scientists, clinicians, healthcare workers and patient advocates attended the annual meeting that was held from December 5-8, 2007 in Philadelphia.
Dr. Dannenberg, Director of the Cancer Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Henry R. Erle, M.D. – Roberts Family Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, is a world authority on the development of targeted therapies to prevent cancer. His research has helped to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a commonly used class of anti-inflammatory medication, reduce the risk of certain malignancies.
Dr. Dannenberg has been an active member of the AACR for many years. In addition to serving as Chairperson of this recent meeting, he has served the Association in the following capacities:
- Chairperson, Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Awards Nominating Committee, 2004-2005
- Co-Chairperson, Program Committee, 95th annual meeting, 2004
- Chairperson (Aerodigestive Cancers), Committee on Treatment of Intraepithelial Neoplasia, 1999
- Member of Editorial Boards of Cancer Research, Clinical Cancer Research and Cancer Prevention Research