New research suggests human papilloma virus increases risk of oesophageal cancer

Updated July 25, 2013 10:25:18

New research suggests the human papilloma virus (HPV) could significantly increase the risk of oesophageal cancer.

Scientists at the University of New South Wales have published research showing people with the virus are three times more likely to develop oesophageal cancer.

Professor Ian Frazer, whose research linked HPV with cervical cancer, says his vaccine - known as Gardisil - could help in the treatment of other cancers caused by HPV.

"We're gradually realising that papilloma virus is a lot more than just a virus that causes cervical cancer," he said.

"Members of the papilloma virus family contribute to a number of cancers, including cancer of mouth and throat and cancer in some parts of the skin.

"I am surprised that we keep finding new ones, but the nature of the virus is such that it's likely to promote cancer anywhere it affects."

HPV does not cause cancer for everyone. Some people will only get symptoms like genital warts.

Others with the infection will notice no symptoms.

Professor Raina McIntyre, who led the University of NSW's research into HPV and oesophageal cancer, says HPV may be passed on by oral sex.

"That is one of the theories," she said.

"Certainly it has been found in the oral cavity ... and there's been a recent study that's come out by another group overseas which shows that the vaccine prevents virus acquisition in the mouth.

"That's the obvious theory of how it gets in there."

Professor McIntyre says oesophageal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death around the world.

"It's the most common type of cancer worldwide and in some countries like China, South Africa and Iran, it's actually one of the leading causes of cancer deaths," she said.

"In other countries like Australia it's a fairly rare cancer but it's a cancer that has a very high fatality rate."

Professor Frazer says he will investigate a link between the papilloma virus and skin cancer.

"We're very interested in the common skin cancer that occurs in Australia," he said.

"We know that sunshine is an important contributing factor to that but many people who get exposed to the sun do not get these cancers and we're interested in seeing if the papilloma virus is adding to the burden."

Topics: cancer, diseases-and-disorders, health, skin-cancer, medical-research, science-and-technology, australia

First posted July 25, 2013 09:34:03

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-25/hpv-virus-increases-risk-of-oesophageal-cancer-study-finds/4842102

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