Investigating Epstein-Barr virus as a possible cause of eye cancer in people with HIV in Zimbabwe
Official title: Project 2: Novel investigation of Epstein-Barr virus as a potential cause of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma among people living with HIV in Zimbabwe
Funded at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-10898561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether the Epstein-Barr virus might play a role in causing a type of eye cancer in people living with HIV, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, to help improve how we detect and treat this condition.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $123,960 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA277834-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are at risk for developing conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or those who are not at risk for conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the potential link between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in individuals living with HIV. The study will involve testing a hypothesis among 800 participants to determine if EBV contributes to the development of this eye cancer, which is particularly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. By understanding the underlying causes of cSCC, the research seeks to inform better early detection and management strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes. The focus is on a population that is significantly affected by both HIV and cSCC, addressing a critical public health issue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and treatment strategies for conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, potentially reducing vision loss and its associated economic impacts.
How similar studies have gone: While existing studies have explored other viral contributions to cSCC, the investigation of EBV in this context is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Borok, Margaret Ziona — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Borok, Margaret Ziona
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Novel idea: Epstein-Barr virus and eye cancer in people living with HIV in Zimbabwe
A study explores whether Epstein-Barr virus could cause a type of eye cancer in people living with HIV in Zimbabwe.
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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.