NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving cancer care for Hispanic populations in South Texas

Official title: Rio Grande Valley Cancer Health Disparity Research Center

Funded at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · NIH-11172373 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking into the reasons behind cancer differences in Hispanic/Latino communities in South Texas, focusing on liver cancer, the effects of stress on cancer, and better ways to screen for cervical cancer, all while working closely with local partners to make sure the research helps the community.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Rio Grande Valley
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Edinburg, United States)
Project startAugust 18, 2024
Project endMarch 31, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$3,712,690
NIH project number5U54MD019970-02
Project IDNIH-11172373 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation are Hispanic/Latino individuals living in the Rio Grande Valley who are at risk for or affected by cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients outside the Rio Grande Valley or those not belonging to the Hispanic/Latino demographic may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

The Rio Grande Valley Cancer Health Disparity Research Center aims to address the significant cancer disparities faced by Hispanic/Latino American populations in South Texas. This research will develop a robust biomedical infrastructure to investigate various factors contributing to cancer, including biological, social, and behavioral aspects. The center will engage with community partners and stakeholders to ensure that the research is relevant and beneficial to local populations. It will focus on three main projects: understanding liver cancer causes, exploring the impact of psychosocial stress on cancer, and improving cervical cancer screening practices.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies tailored for underserved populations.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in addressing health disparities through community-engaged approaches, making this a promising initiative.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
    Edinburg, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Chauhan, Subhash C. — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  • Study coordinator: Chauhan, Subhash C.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.