DR-473 Investigating the molecular background of rare anogenital sqaumous cell carcinomas, to unveil the tumor driving events in HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors and find differences and similarities between tumor types.

Penile, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancer are rare types of (anogenital) cancer, and a lot is unknown about tumor biology. To better predict which patients benefit from a certain treatment – and to improve current treatment methods – better understanding of tumor biology and molecular subtypes is needed, as well as representative preclinical models. This can then be used to find biomarkers for therapy response and identify leads for therapy discovery. This can subsequently be tested in representative patient derived models, followed by small, targeted trials for specific groups within this rare patient population.

Johan Van Es, Hubrecht Institute, the Netherlands