Grant: Team Grant: Bringing Biology to Cancer Prevention - General Pool

Long-term infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), also known as high risk types, can lead to cervical pre-cancer or cancer. When HPV causes significant changes in cervical cells, treatment is needed to prevent cancer from developing. In Canada, the standard treatment is the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), which removes abnormal cells from the cervix. For most patients, HPV and abnormal cells do not return after LEEP. However, some patients experience a recurrence, meaning they may need further testing, such as colposcopy (a detailed cervical exam using high-resolution imaging), or additional LEEP procedures. Scientists know that some factors, such as ongoing or recurrent HPV infection, increase the risk of recurrence of pre-cancerous cells in the cervix, but many risk factors remain unknown. In particular, we do not fully understand the role of bacteria and other microorganisms in the genital tract, the chemicals they produce (metabolites), local immune responses, or changes in HPV's genetic makeup. Additionally, these factors have not been studied together to see how they interact and affect recurrence risk. Our study will recruit patients undergoing LEEP and collect samples during their follow-up visits. This will allow us to analyze these factors and their impact on HPV and cervical pre-cancer recurrence. The knowledge gained from this research will help improve how we identify and monitor patients at higher risk, leading to more precise and effective follow-up care.