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Gynecological and ENT Cancers: Why Is the Fight Against Human Papillomavirus So Crucial?
To mark Turquoise September and the Make Sens campaign “Taking on Cancer Head-On”—two prevention and awareness campaigns focused on gynecological cancers and ENT cancers, respectively— Gustave Roussy reaffirms its commitment to combating human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for many cases of these two types of cancer. On September 20, a gynecological cancer awareness day was held in the lobby of Gustave Roussy, attended by doctors from the Institute’s gynecology committee and representatives from various organizations.
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In conjunction with “Turquoise September” and the Make Sens campaign “Taking on Cancer,” two prevention and awareness campaigns focused on gynecological cancers and ENT cancers, respectively, Gustave Roussy reaffirms its commitment to combating human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for many cases of these two types of cancer. On September 20, a gynecological cancer awareness day was held in the lobby of Gustave Roussy, attended by physicians from the Institute’s gynecology committee and representatives from various organizations.
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the fifth leading cause of cancer worldwide. This family of viruses is responsible for 99.7% of uterine cancers, 75% of vaginal cancers, 69% of vulvar cancers, and half of oropharyngeal (ENT), as well as anal cancer (91%), penile cancer (63%), and skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma).
Expanding Vaccination
An effective and well-tolerated vaccine protects against the most serious infections—that is, those that cause precancerous lesions and cancers. But in France, vaccination coverage is insufficient: it stands at 40% for women and 6% for men.
Every year, 30,000 precancerous lesions and 8,000 cancers linked to human papillomavirus infections could be prevented in France if the vaccination rate among the at-risk population exceeded 80%.
Developing Specific Treatments
Once diagnosed, managing HPV-induced cancers poses another challenge, as some patients lack access to innovative treatments. To address this issue, Gustave Roussy has created an interdisciplinary, organ-transcending HPV group. It brings together gynecologists, proctologists, dermatologists, ENT specialists, oncologists, surgeons, virologists, pathologists, as well as public health physicians and researchers.
Its goal? To develop a clinical and translational research program focused on all HPV-induced cancers. It is intended to provide patients with easier access to therapeutic innovations and to promote multidisciplinary care and research at the time of diagnosis and treatment, as well as in terms of prevention and screening for these diseases.
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Gustave Roussy at the ESMO 2026 Congress
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) is holding its annual congress from 23 to 27 October in Madrid, Spain. This major international event provides oncologists and researchers from around the world with an opportunity to present the latest findings from clinical studies aimed at improving cancer care and deepening our understanding of the disease. Once again, this year, physicians and researchers from Gustave Roussy have contributed to several dozen studies that will be presented during the five-day congress.
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5 questions with Dr François-Xavier Danlos about therapeutic cancer vaccines
Therapeutic cancer vaccines are making significant progress in clinical development. The ESMO Congress, which begins on 23 October, will provide an opportunity to learn about new data on a therapeutic vaccine against melanoma. However, there are major differences between vaccines traditionally used to prevent disease and therapeutic cancer vaccines. Dr François-Xavier Danlos, a medical oncologist in Gustave Roussy’s Drug Development Department and a specialist in immunotherapy development, explains.
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ADCs: Two Landmark Publications in Cancer Cell and Nature Medicine Showcase Gustave Roussy's Expertise
In less than two months, researchers and clinicians from Gustave Roussy have contributed to two major publications on Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) in Cancer Cell and Nature Medicine. Together, these papers provide both a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and a strategic vision to accelerate the development of the next generation of these innovative therapies.
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Drug shortages: Gustave Roussy becomes the only Cancer Centre in France authorised to produce Special Hospital Preparations
The Clinical Pharmacy Department at Gustave Roussy has been authorised by the French Ministry of Health to manufacture Special Hospital Preparations (SHPs). Granted for a period of seven years, this accreditation enables the Institute’s hospital pharmacy to produce certain medicines in coordination with the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) and the Ministry of Health. Gustave Roussy is the only French Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CLCC) authorised to manufacture Special Hospital Preparations, alongside ten university hospitals.
