Investigating the link between HIV and oral cancers in marginalized communities
Official title: People living with HIV (PLWH), Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer, and Health Equity: A Qualitative Study
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10885192 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how living with HIV can increase the risk of mouth and throat cancers, especially for Black individuals, and it wants to hear from people about their experiences with oral health care and any challenges they face in getting the help they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $161,894 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DE032972-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885192 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV, especially those from Black or other marginalized racial/ethnic backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or do not have concerns related to oral health and cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the increased risk of oropharyngeal and oral cancers among people living with HIV (PLWH), particularly focusing on disparities faced by Black individuals. It aims to understand the barriers to oral health care and cancer prevention strategies, including the role of dental providers in early detection and treatment. By conducting qualitative interviews, the study seeks to gather insights on the experiences of PLWH regarding their oral health and access to care, especially in the context of stigma and discrimination. The findings may inform targeted interventions to improve health equity for these populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved oral health care access and cancer prevention strategies for people living with HIV, particularly in marginalized communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing health disparities in marginalized populations can lead to improved health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hernandez, Alexandra Lydia — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Hernandez, Alexandra Lydia
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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.