Dr Robert Newton

Cancer and research avatar

Epidemiology and Genetics Unit, Department of Health Sciences
University of York
York

Investigating the role of viruses in cancer

Dr Newton's research focuses on how infections, in particular by viruses, play a role in cancer development. It is estimated that one in five cancers are caused by infections - for example skin cancer and cervical cancer can be caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) . 

People with suppressed immune systems, such as individuals infected with human human immunodeficiency virus (HPV), are particularly at risk of developing certain cancers triggered in this way. Dr Newton is currently carrying out a study involving children and young adults in South Africa to investigate the links between viral infections, immune responses and cancer in the developing world.

In the future, it may be possible to prevent cancers caused by infections through vaccination programmes. For example, the cervical cancer vaccine can prevent women from being infected with certain strains of HPV, and so reduces their risk of cervical cancer. Dr Newton's work will improve our understanding of how viruses can trigger cancer and will help devise new ways to prevent certain forms of the disease.

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