Latest news with #Andrea Lisco
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists Discover a Viral Cause of One of The World's Most Common Cancers
A common type of human papillomavirus (HPV) could be more dangerous than we thought. The virus, known as beta-HPV, was thought in rare cases to contribute to skin cancer by worsening UV damage, but a new study suggests it can actually hijack the body's cells to directly drive cancer growth. These fresh conclusions came from a study of a 34-year-old woman who sought medical help for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) on her forehead. Her tumors were repeatedly growing back, even after immunotherapy and surgeries. Related: A closer genetic analysis revealed something surprising: the beta-HPV had actually integrated itself into the DNA of the woman's tumor, where it was producing viral proteins that helped the cancer thrive. Before now, beta-HPV had never been found to integrate into cellular DNA, let alone actively maintain a cancer. "It suggests that there may be more people out there with aggressive forms of cSCC who have an underlying immune defect and could benefit from treatments targeting the immune system," says immunologist Andrea Lisco from the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The woman who was the subject of this study had an inherited immune disorder, one which prevented her T cells from attacking HPV. While tests revealed that the woman's immune system could still repair DNA damage from UV radiation – the typical cause of cSCC – the impairment of her T cells meant the beta-HPV could invade her skin cells and trigger the formation of cancer. The immunocompromised woman was also being treated for other HPV-related illnesses, including warts on the skin and in the mouth. Once the cause of her condition was discovered, the patient received a bone marrow stem cell transplant, to replace her dysfunctional T cells with healthy ones. This cleared up the aggressive skin cancer and her other HPV-caused issues, none of which returned during a three-year follow-up period. "This discovery and successful outcome would not have been possible without the combined expertise of virologists, immunologists, oncologists and transplant specialists, all working under the same roof," says Lisco. The study by no means minimizes the role of UV radiation as a cause of skin cancer, but shows that there are other factors at work too. In rare cases like this, normally benign viruses can have devastating effects in people with weakened immune systems. That emphasizes the need for targeted, personalized cancer treatments that may well be more effective than conventional and generic approaches. It's likely that the woman involved in this study is far from the only one with this set of conditions. Reason to be hopeful could come from progress against a related disease. Alpha-HPV is known as the cause of many cervical and throat cancers, and widespread vaccination against the virus has resulted in a drastic drop in deaths from those cancers. While a single, universal cure for cancer remains elusive, we are continuing to see steadily improving survival and recovery rates across many cancer types, including cSCC – something this new research should also help with. "This discovery could completely change how we think about the development, and consequently the treatment, of cSCC in people who have a health condition that compromises immune function," says Lisco. The research has been published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Related News Alzheimer's May Start at The Brain's Borders, Scientists Discover What Is Chikungunya? A Guide to The Virus Spreading in China A Disease That Makes You Allergic to Meat And Dairy Is Spreading Around The World Solve the daily Crossword
The Sun
07-08-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Oral sex could increase your risk of SKIN cancer – the 3 ways to protect yourself
SCIENTISTS have discovered a new cause of skin cancer - and it's linked to oral sex. Human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK, is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including oral sex. 3 3 It's previously been linked to increased risk of several cancers, including anal, head and neck, throat, penile cancer and cervical cancer. But now, US researchers say the virus could also cause a deadly form of skin cancer - squamous cell carcinoma. Scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) discovered the link after a 34-year-old woman was referred to the clinic. She presented with 43 spots of the skin cancer on her face, hands and legs. But while she had surgery to remove them, as well as immunotherapy, the cancer returned. Doctors first suspected sun damage and a weak immune system, but later found the beta-HPV virus had inserted into her skin cells' DNA and was producing viral proteins, taking control of the cells. Dr Andrea Lisco, a virologist who led the study, said: "This discovery could completely change how we think about the development, and consequently the treatment, of [skin cancer] in people who have a health condition that compromises immune function. "It suggests that there may be more people out there with aggressive forms of [skin cancer] who have underlying immune defect and could benefit from treatments targeting the immune system." The woman in the case report was found to have a genetic condition that weakened her T-cells (a type of immune cell), leaving her unable to fight off the virus. Doctors treated her with a stem cell transplant to restore her immune system. Urgent health alert as most sexually active will get cancer causing virus at some point in life Three years later, her skin cancer hadn't returned, and other HPV-related complications, such as growths on her tongue and skin, had disappeared. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and are preliminary, only suggesting a potential link between HPV and skin cancer. Three ways to protect yourself from HPV The most effective way to protect yourself from HPV is to get the HPV vaccine. Additionally, practising safe sex, such as using condoms, and getting regular screenings can further reduce the risk of infection and potential health problems. HPV vaccination In the UK, the vaccine is routinely offered to children aged 12 to 13, but is also available for older individuals who may have missed it, especially those at higher risk. The vaccine is most effective when administered before the first sexual contact, but it can still provide protection even after sexual activity has begun. 3 How do you know if you have HPV? HPV doesn't usually cause any symptoms, which means most people who have it don't realise and don't have any problems. But sometimes the virus can cause painless growths or lumps around your vagina, penis or anus (known as genital warts). Genital warts appear on their own or in a group (groups of warts can look like a cauliflower. They may feel soft or firm, and be white, red, skin-coloured, or darker than the surrounding skin. Source: NHS Safe sex practices Using condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity can significantly reduce the risk of HPV transmission, though they don't offer complete protection as HPV can affect areas not covered by the condom. Dental dams can also be used to reduce the risk of transmission during oral sex. And being in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who also has only had sex with you can also reduce the risk. Screening and testing Regular screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV tests, can help detect HPV and abnormal cell changes early, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of cervical cancer. Guidelines recommend starting Pap test screening at age 21 and continuing until age 65 for most women. Other ways to reduce skin cancer risk Sun protection Limit sun exposure: Avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak UV hours (usually between 11am and 3pm). Seek shade when outdoors, especially during these hours. Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. Protective clothing: Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, and choose a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, neck and ears. Sunglasses that offer UV protection are also crucial. Skin self-exams and professional check ups Regular skin checks: Regularly examine your skin for any new moles, changes in existing moles, or any unusual spots. Pay attention to the ABCDEs of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, and Evolving. Dermatologist visits: Schedule regular skin exams with a dermatologist, especially if you have risk factors like a family history of skin cancer or a history of sunburns.
