Microbiome factors linked to persistent hr-HPV and cervical cancer risk
Official title: The Microbiome as a risk factor for hr-HPV persistence and Cervical Cancer
Funded at University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences · NIH-11383476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how the vaginal microbiome and other host factors influence the persistence of high-risk HPV and the risk of cervical cancer, with a focus on populations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Juan, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 1997 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $98,799 |
| NIH project number | 5U54MD007600-40 |
| Project ID | NIH-11383476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women and people who are at risk of hr-HPV infection, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, who may contribute samples or participate in related analyses.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without hr-HPV infection or cervical abnormalities may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project aims to understand how bacteria, fungi, and the immune environment in the cervix interact with HPV to influence cancer risk. Using advanced sequencing and new bioinformatic tools, the team will map microbial communities, metabolic signals, and host factors that may promote hr-HPV persistence and progression. The study includes data from Puerto Rico and other regions to address disparities in cervical cancer outcomes and to identify potential biomarkers or targets for prevention. Results could guide more personalized screening and prevention strategies in high-risk populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better risk stratification, earlier detection, and tailored prevention strategies for women at higher risk of hr-HPV persistence and cervical cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Early findings suggest associations between microbiome composition and cervical lesion severity, but comprehensive host–microbiome interactions in this context are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
San Juan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Godoy-Vitorino, Filipa — University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
- Study coordinator: Godoy-Vitorino, Filipa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Community and digital tools to reduce HPV and cervical cancer burden
A nurse or health team will test a community-based, digital strategy to help girls and young women, especially in rural areas, get HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention services.
-
Community and digital tools to reduce HPV and cervical cancer in women with HIV
A community- and digital-technology program aims to help girls and young women, including those with HIV, get more HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention services.
-
mSaada: a mobile tool to boost cervical cancer screening in western Kenya
A mobile app helps community health volunteers manage cervical cancer screening tasks and follow-up for women in low-resource areas.
-
Globally useful predictor for cervical cancer treatment response
This project aims to develop a simple predictive signature to personalize treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer using easy tests and imaging.
-
HPV self-collection in HIV care to screen for cervical cancer in Ethiopia
A patient-centered program tests a simple HPV self-collection approach within HIV clinics in Ethiopia to help detect cervical cancer earlier.
-
Hybrid approach to boost cervical cancer screening in Uganda
A tested, community-driven program helps Ugandan women encourage their peers to get free VIA cervical cancer screening.
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.