Meeting Report: National Symposium on Infectious Agents and Cancer

The relationship between neoplasia and infectious agents has long been known, but has not been well understood. While knowledge of carcinogenic mechanisms, and of prevention and treatment options is increasing, it has often been generated in such a manner as to limit its dissemination among traditional disciplines and content areas. For example, knowledge about hepatitis B virus as a carcinogen and the development and uptake of vaccines to control transmission may not be fully understood by cervical cancer investigators who might use such knowledge to enhance the implementation of population-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Recognizing the need for increased knowledge exchange among researchers, practitioners and policy specialists interested in infectious agents and cancer, the National Infectious Agents Committee of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer’s Primary Prevention Action Group organized a symposium in Toronto, Ontario, between March 11 and 12, 2010. The purpose of the event was to explore the existing body of knowledge in basic science, clinical interventions and policy work related to HPV, hepatitis B and C viruses, and Helicobacter pylori as cancer-causing agents, and to seek opportunities for cross-pollination or innovative investigations that may further enhance knowledge in these domains and stimulate the transition from research to action. The meeting brought together 54 experts from across the country, allowing for a diversity of perspectives from different fields and geographical regions. International speakers were also invited to showcase existing global best practices. The symposium covered the basic bioscience, epidemiology, clinical, public health and policy implications for each of these infectious agents as they relate to cancer. The present report summarizes the principal themes and ideas that emerged from the presentations and breakout group discussions during this symposium.