The risk of anal cancer in HIV-infected individuals has markedly increased following the advent of anti-retroviral therapy, especially in HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). 90% percent of invasive anal squamous cell carcinomas are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, of which 80-90% are associated with HPV type 16. Although anal HPV-16 infection is common in HIV-infected MSM, only a small fraction of infected men ever develops anal cancer. Why this occurs in some but not others is unknown. Recent advances in technology have made it feasible to sequence and study the genetic composition, or ?microbiome?, of the community of microbes that colonize different parts of the human body. The expansion of otherwise commensal bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract is postulated to contribute to inflammation and carcinogenesis via a variety of pathways including the production of superoxide radicals and toxins. These imbalances have been associated with disease states such as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. This study will determine whether a similar association exists between the anal canal microbiome and high- grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), the precursor to invasive anal cancer. We will determine whether enrichment of the anal canal with pro-inflammatory bacteria and depletion of anti-inflammatory bacteria is associated with anal HSIL, particularly because long-term chronic inflammation has been proposed as a key mediator in HPV cancer pathogenesis. Accordingly our specific aims are: 1) To characterize the differences in ? and ?-diversity of the anal microbiome in HIV-infected, anal HPV-16 infected, MSM on effective ART with and without anal HSIL; and 2) To identify specific differences in the composition of the anal microbiome between HIV-infected, anal HPV-16 infected, MSM on effective ART with and without anal HSIL. Our results will contribute to our understanding of HPV carcinogenesis and may potentially provide new approaches to diagnosis and treatment of anal HSIL.

Public Health Relevance

HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for anal cancer. Because alterations to the bacterial composition of the gastrointestinal tract are linked to colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, we will determine whether a similar imbalance within the anal canal is associated with development of anal cancer precursors in HIV-infected MSM. Our results could provide a means to identify patients at highest risk for malignancy and lead to therapies that prevent anal cancer.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03CA203589-01A1
Application #
9270852
Study Section
AIDS-associated Opportunistic Infections and Cancer Study Section (AOIC)
Program Officer
Starks, Vaurice
Project Start
2017-01-13
Project End
2018-12-31
Budget Start
2017-01-13
Budget End
2017-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
$79,250
Indirect Cost
$29,250
Name
University of California San Francisco
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
094878337
City
San Francisco
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94118