How biological aging affects cervical cancer outcomes for women with HIV in Zambia
The Impact of Biologic Aging on Immunity-Related Cervical Cancer Outcome Disparities Among Women Living with HIV in Zambia
This project compares biological aging markers in women with HIV in Zambia to see if faster aging relates to worse side effects and cancer outcomes from standard chemoradiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161405 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will enroll women in Zambia with locally advanced cervical cancer, including those living with HIV, and collect blood and tumor samples around the time of chemoradiation to measure DNA methylation 'epigenetic clocks' and immune markers. They will compare each person’s biological age to their actual age and to clinical outcomes such as treatment side effects, tumor response, and survival. The team will analyze molecular lab tests alongside medical records to identify patterns linking accelerated aging and immunity to worse outcomes. Results may point to biological markers that help explain disparities and guide more personalized care for women with HIV and cervical cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women in Zambia living with HIV who have locally advanced cervical cancer and are planning to receive standard chemoradiation therapy.
Not a fit: People without cervical cancer, those not receiving chemoradiation, or individuals outside the participating sites in Zambia are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify women at higher risk of poor outcomes so care and follow-up can be better targeted or adjusted.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows people with HIV often have accelerated epigenetic aging linked to worse health, but applying these measures specifically to cervical cancer treatment outcomes in Zambia is a new approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Lilie Leming — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Lin, Lilie Leming
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 below.