HPV-related cancers in people living with HIV: understanding tumor and immune factors
Official title: Project 1: Exploring viral and immunological factors of HPV associated cancers in PLWH and its relation to survival
Funded at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-11418488 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies why people with HIV have higher HPV-related cancer rates and worse outcomes, by looking at how tumors and the immune system interact and how therapies might help in low- and middle-income countries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | August 3, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $92,408 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA277834-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418488 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV who develop or are at risk for HPV-related cancers, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, may benefit from insights arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HIV or those without HPV-related cancers may not directly benefit from these study findings.
What this research studies
People living with HIV face higher rates of cancers caused by HPV and poorer survival after diagnosis. The project will examine the tumor’s viral and immune environment to identify factors that drive these disparities. By studying tumor biology in PLWH, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, researchers aim to inform better prevention and treatment strategies, including potential immunotherapies. The work plans to integrate insights on screening, treatment options, and how chemoradiation and immunotherapy could improve outcomes for these patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could lead to better screening, prevention, and treatment approaches for HPV-related cancers in people with HIV, potentially improving survival.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests tumor-immune interactions influence cancer outcomes, but this project is among the efforts focusing on PLWH and HPV-related cancers in LMICs, representing a relatively novel context.
Where this research is happening
-
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pilon-Thomas, Shari — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Pilon-Thomas, Shari
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.