Role of ERAP1 in development of cervical cancer (v1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of molecular and genetic mechanisms promoting HPV-related cervical cancer development and progression
IRAS ID
100925
Contact name
Edd James
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Southampton University Hospitals Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
There are approximately 2900 new cervical cancer cases in the UK per year, of which around 1000 will die. 98% of these will be related to HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Certain factors are known to increase the risk of development of cervical cancer in those women infected with HPV, including smoking and immunosuppression, but there remain many women in whom there is no known underlying risk factor. Risk of cervical cancer is almost twice as high in women whose sister or mother has been diagnosed with the disease, although the disease is not known to be linked to any specific genetic or hereditary factors. Research looking at the role of how the immune system recognises and kills antigens (foreign organisms such as bacteria and viruses) found a gene called ERAP1 which varies from person to person and which determines how well the body disposes of organisms like HPV. More recent work has shown that changes in the ERAP1 gene significantly influences whether or not patients survive to 5 years following treatment for a cervical cancer. Determining which variations in ERAP1 are linked to a higher risk of developing and dying from cervical cancer may help to identify those at highest risk in the population, thereby allowing an opportunity to reduce that risk. It may also open up more specific therapeutic targets to improve cancer survival.
REC name
South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SC/0050
Date of REC Opinion
24 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion