Center for HPV Research at IUPUI

Abstract

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is highly prevalent among women and men and is associated with a number of diseases including genital warts, cervical cancers, other anogenital cancers in both men and women, and cancers of the head and neck. HPV infections are also associated with millions of dollars in annual health care costs. Two vaccines have been developed to prevent HPV infection. Both are approved for use in females ages 9 through 26, and one vaccine is approved for use in 9 to 26 year old males as well. Both vaccines are efficacious, safe, and cost-effective. Despite the great promise of HPV vaccines, vaccination rates in the U.S. are much lower than desired, with 2011 data indicating that 53% of 13-17 year old females received one or more doses and only 37% completed the 3-dose series. The ongoing medical, psychosocial, and financial costs of HPV infection indicate the need for comprehensive, cross-disciplinary research efforts coordinated with community outreach. We have established the Center for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Research at IUPUI; which fosters cohesion and collaboration among investigators from multiple disciplines and departments at IUPUI, IU Bloomington, and University of Notre Dame pursuing HPV-related research. This group of accomplished senior faculty and promising junior scholars represents a growing synergy between basic, clinical, and social/behavioral sciences. The Center for HPV Research will provide formal infrastructure and resources for pilot research projects, and a collaborative environment for development of proposals for external funding. By capitalizing on the unique strengths of an internationally recognized faculty and IUPUI’s remarkable culture of collaborative and interdisciplinary research, we will establish a world-class center for HPV research, research training, and research translation. The overall mission of the Center for HPV Research will be to improve understanding of HPV transmission, infection, and prevention of HPV infection and its consequences.