Viruses and skin cancer risks (VIRASKIN)

Objective

Skin cancers are among the most common cancers affecting the European population. A viral aetiology is hypothesized and certain Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) is found in skin cancer tissue, but has not been linked to skin cancer in epidemiological studies. AIM: To obtain solid evidence of which known or hitherto unknown viruses that are regularly present in skin cancer and then assess if these viruses are associated with increased risk for development of skin cancer. TASKS: Molecular detection systems with improved ability to detect and quantify skin cancer-associated viruses will be developed and applied to a large series of skin tumours. Serological methods based on virus-like particles will be developed. Population-based age and sex-specific prevalence's and attack rates of infection will be determined. Finally, the virus-specific relative risk for skin cancer will be determined by prospective studies.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-2. - Key action Control of Infectious Diseases

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

LUND UNIVERSITY

Address

University Hospital - Entrance 78
205 02 Malmoe
Sweden

Participants (6)

FINNISH CANCER REGISTRY

Finland

Address

21B,liisankatu 21B
00170 Helsinki

GERMAN CANCER RESEARCH CENTER

Germany

Address

280,Im Neuenheimer Feld 242
69120 Heidelberg

KAROLINSKA INSTITUTE

Sweden

Address

Karolinska Hospital
171 76 Stockholm

THE JANUS PROJECT - THE NORWEGIAN CANCER SOCIETY

Norway

Address

Rikshospitalitet
0027 Oslo

THE UNIVERSITY OF TUEBINGEN

Germany

Address

Calwer Str. 7/6
72076 Tuebingen

UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA

Austria

Address

Waehringer Guertel 18-20
1090 Wien