DCP Early Career Scientist Spotlight Research Seminar Series (Upcoming Research Talks)

Feasibility of Self-Administered, Intravaginal Therapies for Cervical Precancer Treatment in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Chemtai Mungo, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Dr. Chemtai Mungo is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She received her medical degree from the University of California San Francisco where she graduated with Distinction in Clinical and Translational Research. She also holds a Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Dr. Mungo was born and raised in Kenya and is passionate about using research to pursue equity in global women's health. Her research is focused on secondary prevention of cervical cancer in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), specifically investigating the feasibility of topical, self-administered therapies for cervical precancer treatment. Dr. Mungo was awarded the ASCO Young Investigator Award in 2021, and in 2022, was awarded an American Association Cancer Research (AACR) Global Fund for Women’s Cancers Career Development Award and the Gilead HIV Scholars Award. The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the National Cancer Institute also support her work.

Abstract:
In 2020, cervical cancer resulted in over 600,000 deaths worldwide, despite being largely preventable through vaccination and screening. The disease primarily impacts women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), who represent 85% of the cases and 90% of the deaths. To combat this, the World Health Organization initiated the '90/70/90' strategy in 2018, aiming for 90% HPV vaccination, 70% screening, and 90% treatment rates by 2030. Achieving these targets could avert 74 million cases and 62 million deaths in LMICs. Recent advancements like effective single-dose HPV vaccines and HPV self-sampling have expanded screening capabilities. However, challenges remain in treating cervical precancer due to the lack of skilled healthcare providers and necessary infrastructure. Dr. Mungo is exploring the feasibility of self-administered intravaginal therapies for cervical precancer treatment in LMICs, which could significantly improve access to treatment in these regions, which maybe transformative in increasing access to precancer treatment and hence reducing global cervical cancer mortality.

TBD
Venkateshwar Madka, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Preclinical Bioassay Director, Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Dr. Madka is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma HSC and Experimental Bioassays Director at the Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development (CCPDD), Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City. Dr. Madka earned his PhD from the Osmania University, India then received his postdoctoral training in Cancer Chemoprevention at the University of Oklahoma HSC, USA. His research is focused on urinary bladder cancer prevention using chemo- immune- prevention strategies. Using carcinogen induced and transgenic rodent models he investigated several potential chemopreventive candidates and published 42 peer-reviewed articles and reviews. He also made over 65 presentations at various national and international scientific meetings, some of which have received travel awards. Notably he is recipient of AACR Scholar-in-Training Award in Memory of Dr. Lee W. Wattenberg. He is Co-I and Co-PI on several NCI funded grants. His other research interests include inflammation, vaccines, bioactive compounds, and early detection.

Abstract:
TBD