EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in people with weakened immune systems
Official title: EBV-Positive Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma: Defining Biologic Determinants of Disease Pathogenesis in Immunodeficiency
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11222776 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will compare tumor and virus features in people with EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who have weakened immune systems from HIV or medical treatments to better link biology to health outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2018 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $149,669 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM125498-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11222776 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma whose tumors test positive for Epstein-Barr virus, especially those with HIV or iatrogenic immunodeficiency, from cohorts in sub-Saharan Africa or the United States.
✕Less likely to help
People without EBV-positive DLBCL, those with unrelated cancers, or anyone who cannot provide tumor samples or medical data are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
You or patients like you would have tumor samples and medical records analyzed from groups in sub-Saharan Africa and the United States. The team will determine whether Epstein-Barr virus is active in the tumors and identify viral latency patterns, then perform detailed molecular profiling of the tumor and virus. They will link those biological findings to immune status (for example HIV or treatment-related immunodeficiency) and to clinical outcomes. The overall aim is to improve diagnosis and point toward potential targets for new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve how EBV-positive DLBCL is diagnosed and point to new targeted therapies for people with immunodeficiency.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in Western populations show EBV-positive DLBCL often has worse outcomes, but comprehensive global molecular profiling in different immunodeficiency settings is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
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University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Volaric, Ashley Keller — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Volaric, Ashley Keller
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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EBV-related lymphoma in people with immune deficiency: understanding what drives the disease
A doctor-scientist team will study a type of blood cancer linked to the Epstein-Barr virus in people with immune system problems to learn what makes it worse and how we can diagnose and treat it better.
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Understanding how EBV affects lymphoma in patients with weakened immune systems
This study is looking at how the Epstein-Barr virus affects a type of cancer called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, especially in people with weakened immune systems, like those with HIV, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat this illness.
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Immune Evasion by HLA-E in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
A researcher is studying how a molecule called HLA-E helps a type of blood cancer (DLBCL) hide from the immune system, with findings that may lead to better treatments.
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Cardioprotective treatment choices for DLBCL patients at risk of heart damage
Atrially, this study tests two heart-protecting drugs given during cancer treatment to see which best prevents heart problems in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who are at higher risk for heart damage.
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Translating Genomics to Practice to Overcome Disparities in DLBCL
A patient-focused project aims to understand why diffuse large B-cell lymphoma outcomes differ among people and how genomic information can guide better care for diverse groups.
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From pathogenesis to new targets for treating diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
A patient-focused look at how this research aims to uncover new genetic clues to guide targeted therapies for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.