ASCO offers a robust program designed to teach, engage, and bring the oncology field together. In addition to presenting the latest research in cancer care, the program will feature world-renowned faculty discussing state-of-the-art treatment modalities, new therapies, and ongoing controversies in the field.

Dr. Ian McGowan MD Ph.D. FRCP, (our Chief Medical Officer) will be presenting in the Gastrointestinal (Colorectal) cancer track, with a talk focusing on the surveillance and management of anal intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV and non-HIV infected patients. In his previous position, as a Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, his laboratory undertook research to characterize the prevalence of anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women. In the MTN-017 study which was conducted in the US, Peru, Thailand, and South Africa. Dr. McGowan’s laboratory showed that approximately 93% of MSM had evidence of anal HPV infection which is linked to the development of anal dysplasia and anal cancer (Cranston et al. Int J STD AIDS 2019).

According to Dr. McGowan, “Despite increased availability of highly efficacious HPV vaccines, there is a large pool of individuals who have already acquired anal HPV infection and are at risk of developing epithelial dysplasia and in some cases cancer. Unfortunately, this risk is significantly increased when there is co-infection with HIV. These patients should undergo regular surveillance to recognize and treat anal dysplasia to avoid progression to anal cancer”