HPV, Cancer Biology and Prevention – Research Group Arroyo Mühr

The Arroyo Mühr Research Group combines basic cancer research, molecular epidemiology and implementation research. We investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying HPV-related cancers, identify biomarkers of disease progression and regression, and develop and evaluate strategies to improve cancer screening and prevention.

Part of the:
Research Group Arroyo Mühr

Our research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development, with particular emphasis on HPV-related cancers. We combine molecular biology, multi-omics, bioinformatics and large-scale population data to identify molecular biomarkers and understand the biological processes influencing disease progression. One of our main projects is ESCAPE-HPV, funded by the European Research Council (ERC), in which we investigate HPV-negative cervical cancer.

We also work on the development and evaluation of cancer screening strategies, HPV diagnostics, international laboratory quality assurance, and the implementation of HPV-based screening programmes worldwide.

We welcome new collaborations, both nationally and internationally. Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in collaborating!

Publications

All publications from group members

Funding

Grants

  • ERC Starting Grant ESCAPE HPV
    European Research Council (ERC)
    1 January 2027 - 31 December 2031
    Cervical cancer prevention is built on the understanding that persistent infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) is responsible for nearly all cervical cancers. HPV vaccination and HPV-based screening have transformed prevention, bringing the elimination of cervical cancer within reach. Yet, a small proportion of cervical cancers are HPV-negative, challenging our understanding of the disease and raising a fundamental question: are these cancers truly independent of HPV, or are we missing important aspects of their biology? ESCAPE-HPV aims to unravel the molecular characteristics and potential mechanisms underlying HPV-negative cervical cancers. Using a unique collection of cancer cases and population-based registry data, the project integrates whole-genome and exome sequencing, transcriptomics and epigenomics to investigate the molecular pathways involved in their development. By moving beyond the traditional HPV-driven model of cervical carcinogenesis, ESCAPE-HPV seeks to uncover previously unrecognised biological mechanisms, improve our understanding of cervical cancer heterogeneity and identify potential molecular markers relevant to cancer classification and diagnosis. Ultimately, the project aims to generate fundamental knowledge that may inform future approaches to cervical cancer detection and prevention, helping ensure that advances in cancer elimination do not overlook biologically distinct forms of the disease.

Our three largest research grant providers:

  • European Research Council (ERC) – Starting Grant ESCAPE-HPV (2027–2031)
  • CIMED (2026–2028)
  • Region Stockholm – ALF Medicine (2026)

Staff and contact

All members of the group

Other people connected to the group

  • Ruiz, Ballester Cristina

Visiting address

Karolinska Institutet (KI), CLINTEC – Center for Cervical Cancer Elimination, F56 Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, 14186, Sweden

Postal address

Karolinska Institutet (KI), CLINTEC – Center for Cervical Cancer Elimination, F56 Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, 14186, Sweden