Investigating a new treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma using an aptamer
Official title: Anti-nucleolin aptamer AS1411: Applications in Kaposi's Sarcoma Associated Herpes Virus (KSHV) biology
Funded at Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci · NIH-10756508 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment using a special drug to help people with HIV who have cancers caused by a virus called KSHV, aiming to find a safe and effective way to fight this virus and improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $182,325 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA278641-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10756508 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with HIV, who are at risk for Kaposi's sarcoma or primary effusion lymphoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without KSHV-related malignancies or those who are not immunocompromised may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the use of an anti-nucleolin aptamer called AS1411 to target Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), which is linked to serious cancers in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with HIV. The study aims to develop a specific antiviral drug that is well tolerated and has minimal side effects for patients suffering from KSHV-related malignancies. By understanding the virus's life cycle and its interaction with host factors, the research seeks to create effective treatment strategies that could improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new, well-tolerated treatment option for patients with KSHV-related cancers.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of aptamers in cancer treatment is a novel approach, there have been successful applications of similar strategies in other types of cancer therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
North Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma-Walia, Neelam — Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
- Study coordinator: Sharma-Walia, Neelam
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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.