New treatment for a type of lymphoma caused by Epstein-Barr Virus
Official title: EBNA1 Inhibitor for Treatment of EBV-positive DLBCL
Funded at Wistar Institute · NIH-10884413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment called VK-2019 for people with a type of cancer called EBV-positive Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, and it aims to see how safe and effective this treatment is in lowering the virus levels in the blood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $505,631 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282411-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884413 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with EBV-positive Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of lymphoma or those without EBV involvement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-positive Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), a type of cancer that poses a significant health threat globally. The study investigates VK-2019, a first-in-class inhibitor targeting the EBNA1 protein, which is consistently expressed in EBV-related cancers. The approach involves rigorous testing of VK-2019 for its safety, effectiveness, and ability to reduce EBV levels in the blood. Patients may have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials assessing this innovative therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for patients with EBV-positive DLBCL.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting viral proteins in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Wistar Institute
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lieberman, Paul M. — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Lieberman, Paul M.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Translating Genomics to Practice to Overcome Disparities in DLBCL
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This grant tests a new treatment approach that combines CAR-T cells for large B-cell lymphoma with a long-acting growth factor cocktail to help the CAR-T cells expand and persist.
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How Epstein-Barr virus contributes to aggressive B‑cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
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This study is looking at the genetic changes that cause cancer to help doctors find better, personalized treatments for cancer patients like you.
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Targeting MALT1 in African American adults with diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma
This project is developing MALT1‑blocking drugs to help African American adults with aggressive or treatment‑resistant diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma.
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.