About Us

As human life expectancy continues to increase, the various cancers we are subject to have become some of our most significant diseases. Global statistics show that each year there are 10 million new cancer cases and 6 million cancer deaths.

Currently, there are six major human viruses that are etiologically linked to cancers: HPV, HCV, HBV, KSHV, EBV, and HTLV-1. Furthermore, there is mounting evidence indicating the involvement of polyomaviruses, including JCV, BKV and SV40, in a broad range of human malignancies, most notably brain tumors. Studies have shown that these viruses account for 15% of all known human cancers. A clear understanding of the biology of these viruses is important in elucidating the mechanisms, histories and pathogenesis of human cancers.

The International Committee on Viral Oncology Research was formed in 2006 to bring together investigators from around the world and facilitate the sharing of information and the advancement of the fight against these diseases. Our first meeting on Human Cancer Viruses in Padua, Italy, was a significant step forward in this process, where expert international scientists gathered in strength to exchange novel research insights.

We anticipate that the 2008 conference will further this effort, synthesizing commonalities shared between viruses and contrasting unique differences among the different systems.

This site will serve as an on-going cyber-community to additionally foster communication and progress among the leaders in our field.

FOUNDING MEMBERS

Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D.
Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and
Molecular Medicine
Center of Biotechnology, Temple University
Philadelphia, PA, USA
Department of Human Pathology
University of Siena
Siena, Italy

John Jenkins, Ph.D.
Editor-in-Chief
Oncogene
Edenbridge, Kent, United Kingdom

Kamel Khalili, Ph.D.
Department of Neuroscience
Temple University School of Medicine
Philadelphia, PA, USA

Giorgio Palu, M.D.
Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies
University of Padua
Padua, Italy