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

EASTER Project Phase 1: Advancing Affordable AI-Driven Systems for Cervical Cancer Screening, Triage, and Treatment
Mary Luz Rol, PhD
Scientist, Early Detection, Prevention & Infections Branch, IARC-WHO

I am Dr. Mary Luz ROL. In 2017, I joined the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC-WHO), motivated to improve equal access to high-quality healthcare for everyone. Currently, I lead an IARC team dedicated to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health priority in accordance with WHO targets. I manage the EASTER project, which tests novel, low-cost AI-based screening, triage, and treatment methods for cervical cancer and precancer in low- and middle-income countries.

Furthermore, I coordinate the "Cancer Screening in Five Continents" (CanScreen5) training effort in 27 countries, including 17 francophone African countries and 10 Asian countries. CanScreen5 aims to help countries collect and use cancer screening data in order to assess and improve the quality of national screening programs.

Previously, I oversaw the ESTAMPA clinical trial. ESTAMPA evaluated several approaches for implementing primary HPV screening and triage of HPV-positive women throughout nine Latin American countries.

Abstract:
EASTER project aims to develop and validate an affordable, AI-driven dual system for cervical cancer screening, triage, and treatment. Phase 1, launched in Harare, Zimbabwe, enrolled 1,100 women by December 2024. Participants aged 25-49 provided self-collected vaginal and urine samples. Vaginal samples were tested with ScreenFire, and urine samples are being analyzed with COBAS and AI-driven FTIR spectroscopy. During colposcopy, cervical images were captured using the nGyn system, the second AI-tool under development to predict precancers and guide treatment. Of 1,090 valid vaginal HPV results, 28% were HPV-positive. FTIR signals were successfully collected locally. Colposcopy attendance is 74%, cervical images were collected, and follow-up is ongoing. External histology review has confirmed 40 HSIL cases. Initial AI training for spectroscopy achieved 82% concordance with HPV ScreenFire results. Further analysis, including urine COBAS and nGyn image data, is ongoing. While FTIR spectroscopy shows promise, additional data is needed to enhance model robustness.

Targeting Aging Biology to Optimize the Long-Term Health of Cancer Survivors
Mina Sedrak, MD, MS
Associate Professor of Medicine, Director of Cancer and Aging Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA

Dr. Mina Sedrak is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the Cancer and Aging Program at UCLA. His research investigates the mechanisms behind cancer treatment-induced accelerated aging and aims to develop innovative therapies to prevent or reverse this process. Dr. Sedrak’s work, recognized by the NIA with the Paul B. Beeson Career Development Award, bridges cancer and aging to improve outcomes for older adults with cancer. Passionate about inclusivity, he advocates for greater representation of older, frail adults in clinical trials. In addition to his research, he holds key leadership positions, including Vice Chair of the Alliance NCORP Cancer in Older Adults Committee and Chair-Elect of the Research Committee for the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Abstract:
The relationship between aging and cancer is complex and bidirectional. Aging-related processes—such as cellular senescence, genomic instability, and chronic inflammation—not only drive cancer development but also contribute to treatment-related accelerated aging. Understanding the dynamic interplay between aging and cancer may create new opportunities to improve cancer prevention and develop treatments that help protect long-term health. This presentation will explore how cancer and aging interact, highlight new therapies targeting aging biology, and discuss ongoing clinical trials testing these approaches in oncology. Lastly, we will outline future research directions to integrate geroscience into cancer care and improve patient health outcomes.