Grant Number:	5R01CA253244-03 Interpret this number
Primary Investigator:	Ross, Michael
Organization:	University Of Minnesota
Project Title:	HPV Oropharyngeal Cancer and Screening in Gay and Bisexual Men
Fiscal Year:	2022

Abstract: Oropharyngeal cancer (OPCa) caused by Human Papilloma Virus infection has risen steadily in the past two decades. It is primarily associated with sexual risk behavior, specifically oral sex in MSM. Oral cancers associated with HPV, when detected early by oral examination by medical and dental practitioners, can be successfully diagnosed and treated, with significantly increased survival. To improve screening and detection, we propose a 3-part study. First, to interview medical and dental teams, both private and in a Federally Qualified Health Center, with large GBM client bases in two large US metropolitan areas, to understand the screening and reasons for screening for oropharyngeal cancers and guidelines used. Second, we will survey 1500 GBM in the US to determine knowledge and beliefs about OPCa, HPV vaccination knowledge and uptake, experiences with providers and screening, and willingness to engage in screening. Finally, given the potential visibility of OPCa tumors to oral visual examination, we will assess the feasibility of a remote patient monitoring telecommunications-based intervention. We will ask GBM to take oral “selfies” with a cell phone, of sufficient clarity in regard to standard oral landmarks, and to send these photos to a central site where assessment can be made by an OPCa specialist clinician. The interview and survey data, and the feasibility results will be used to inform increased screening guidelines and education for both GBM and the practitioners who treat them, and to develop programs for increased awareness and screening in GBM. The acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy data will assess whether self-examination and oral “selfies” are realistic and have the necessary clarity to form the basis of a telemedicine- based screening campaign for those at risk of developing OPCa, and its rigorous evaluation.




The influence of tobacco use, hazardous drinking, and other risk factors on HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer risk and screening perceptions among gay and bisexual men: a cross-sectional study.
Authors: Zoschke I.N. , Bennis S.L. , Tang Y. , Wilkerson J.M. , Stull C.L. , Nyitray A.G. , Khariwala S.S. , Nichols C.M. , Rosser B.R.S. , Flash C.A. , et al. .
Source: Bmc Oral Health, 2025-03-30 00:00:00.0; 25(1), p. 462.
EPub date: 2025-03-30 00:00:00.0.
PMID: 40159495
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Using Low-cost Videoscopes to Obtain Accurate Video "Oral Selfies" as Screening for HPV-associated Oropharyngeal Cancer: A New Screening Technology?
Authors: Ross M.W. , Khariwala S.S. , Bennis S.L. , Zoschke I.N. , Rosser B.R.S. , Nyitray A.G. , Nichols C.M. , Flash C. , Wilkerson J.M. , Stull C.L. .
Source: Cancer Screening And Prevention, 2024 Jun; 3(2), p. 125-129.
EPub date: 2024-06-25 00:00:00.0.
PMID: 39139552
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Sexual Behavior and Perceived Risk for Oropharyngeal Cancer Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Psychometric Scale Validation.
Authors: Bennis S.L. , Rohloff C.T. , Zhang Z. , Kohli N. , Zoschke I.N. , Rosser B.R.S. , Nyitray A.G. , Wilkerson J.M. , Stull C.L. , Khariwala S.S. , et al. .
Source: Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 2024-04-01 00:00:00.0; 51(4), p. 289-294.
EPub date: 2024-01-10 00:00:00.0.
PMID: 38430512
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Correlates of human papillomavirus vaccination intent for oropharyngeal cancer prevention among gay and bisexual men living in the United States.
Authors: Stull C. , Bennis S.L. , Rosser B.R.S. , Wilkerson J.M. , Zoschke I.N. , Jiang Z. , Nyitray A.G. , Khariwala S.S. , Ross M.W. .
Source: Journal Of The American Dental Association (1939), 2024 Jan; 155(1), p. 26-38.e1.
EPub date: 2023-11-19 00:00:00.0.
PMID: 37988048
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Screening for HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer in Gay and Bisexual Men: Acceptability and Predicting Possible Use of "Oral Selfies" by Smartphone as a Secondary Prevention Approach.
Authors: Ross M.W. , Bennis S.L. , Zoschke N. , Simon Rosser B.R. , Stull C.L. , Nyitray A.G. , Khariwala S.S. , Nichols M. , Flash C. , Wilkerson M. .
Source: Venereology (basel, Switzerland), 2023 Dec; 2(4), p. 180-193.
EPub date: 2023-12-07 00:00:00.0.
PMID: 38515606
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HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer early detection in gay and bisexual men is an "orphan" practice: A qualitative analysis among healthcare providers.
Authors: Zoschke I.N. , Bennis S.L. , Wilkerson J.M. , Stull C.L. , Nyitray A.G. , Khariwala S.S. , Nichols C.M. , Rosser B.R.S. , Flash C. , Ross M.W. .
Source: Frontiers In Public Health, 2023; 11, p. 1165107.
EPub date: 2023-04-20 00:00:00.0.
PMID: 37151584
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Oral/oropharyngeal "selfies" in gay and bisexual men: a pilot study exploring oropharyngeal screening for HPV-related possible malignancies.
Authors: Ross M.W. , Bennis S.L. , Nichols C.M. , Zoschke I.N. , Wilkerson J.M. , Rosser B.R.S. , Stull C.L. , Nyitray A.G. , Flash C. , Khariwala S.S. .
Source: Frontiers In Public Health, 2023; 11, p. 1233274.
EPub date: 2023-09-14 00:00:00.0.
PMID: 37780435
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