Another research program ongoing in Dr. Muller's laboratory is the identification of DNA changes associated with invasive and pre-invasive cancer of the cervix. The PAP smear, a test in which a smear of exfoliated cervical cells is specially stained and examined under a microscope for pathological changes, has saved innumerable lives. Several risk factors may increase a woman's chance of developing cancer of the cervix. This type of infection can cause cell changes that are picked up by PAP smears. Ninety percent of cervical cancer patients have indications of HPV infections.
Smoking is another risk factor.
Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus lowers one's immune response, making women more susceptible to HPV infections. Muller and her colleagues hope to identify those women who will develop invasive cancer. If the UT Southwestern researchers can identify the critical molecular changes in the DNA involved in the progression of dysplasia to cervical cancer, they may be able to predict who will develop invasive cancer. The researchers also are interested in determining what DNA alterations, if any, are caused by environmental factors. The division has established a cervical cancer and dysplasia repository.