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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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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.
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Personalising Breast Cancer Treatments: 5 Questions with Dr Barbara Pistilli
Advances in treatment and patient care mean that five-year net survival for breast cancer now reaches 88%1 in France. However, with around 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year in France alone, breast cancer remains a major public health challenge. One reason is the side effects associated with treatment. In response to this issue, Dr Barbara Pistilli, Head of the Breast Cancer Committee at Gustave Roussy, advocates an approach centred on personalised care, ensuring that each woman receives a treatment intensity tailored to her tumour and individual journey, without compromising her chances of recovery.
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Breast Cancer: Gustave Roussy Ranked No. 1 in France for Breast Surgery and Breast Reconstruction
On the occasion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the 2025 data from Visuchir, the national surgical activity monitoring tool of the French Health Insurance system, places Gustave Roussy in first position for both breast surgery and breast reconstruction. Beyond this ranking, these figures highlight that reconstruction is now an integral part of breast cancer treatment. It is considered at every stage of care: from tumor removal surgery, whether lumpectomy or mastectomy, through to the post-cancer period, helping to restore the body and support women in regaining their physical integrity and quality of life.
