Louisiana

For more than fifteen years, Dr. Cameron has been involved in research to understand the biological factors that contribute to cancer development in people infected with human papillomaviruses (HPV), the viruses that are associated with cervical cancer. As a researcher, Dr. Cameron is keenly aware of the importance of translating research discoveries into real clinical modalities that improve the health of Louisiana’s citizens. The HPV vaccine is an example of a successful clinical product that resulted from years of basic science and clinical research. Recognizing that the success of a clinical intervention is dependent on it’s implementation in the at-risk population, Dr. Cameron hopes to promote HPV vaccine uptake and cervical cancer screening programs in Louisiana to prevent women from becoming victims of cervical cancer.

Dr. Williams has over 25 years of experience in research and public health, 20 of which have been in cancer prevention and control. She is currently serving as Director of the Louisiana Cancer Prevention and Control Programs. These programs include the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program, which provides cervical cancer early detection services for uninsured women, and the Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, which is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating the state cancer plan and includes strategies for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening.

Dr. Hagensee has worked as a clinician-scientist for more than 20 years. He has served Louisiana as an Infectious Disease specialist, with concentration on HIV care, since 1996. His research has focused on HPV infection in high-risk individuals such as men and women living with HIV.  Dr. Hagensee is interested in improving uptake rates of the HPV vaccines, improving follow up rates of women with an abnormal Pap smear by educational efforts, and improving the point-of-care logistics of Louisiana’s cervical cancer prevention programs.  He is collaborating with Dr. Williams to evaluate the feasibility of at-home testing for HPV as a means to screen more at-risk women.  He is also collaborating with Dr. Cameron to investigate the biological factors that contribute to HPV-mediated tumor formation. Finally, he is leading efforts to implement Pap smear screening in men and women living with HIV in order to prevent anal cancer, which has recently been linked to infection with the same viruses that cause cervical cancer.