NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Novel idea: Epstein-Barr virus and eye cancer in people living 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-11625534 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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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Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tampa, United States)
Project startAugust 3, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$103,734
NIH project number3U54CA277834-04S2
Project IDNIH-11625534 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

People living with HIV in Zimbabwe or similar settings who may develop conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma.

Less likely to help

Patients without HIV or those without conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma may not directly benefit from this study.

What this research studies

This project looks at a potential viral cause of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma in people with HIV, focusing on how EBV might contribute to eye cancer in this population. Researchers plan to collect and analyze biological samples to understand the link between EBV and cancer development. The work involves international collaboration, combining laboratory analyses with clinical insights to uncover possible pathways that could inform prevention or treatment. The grant supports a multi-year effort to generate data that could guide future clinical strategies in settings with high HIV prevalence.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, findings could help identify at-risk individuals and inform targeted prevention or treatment approaches for EBV-related eye cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown links between EBV and various cancers, but this specific eye cancer in HIV patients is less well understood and remains exploratory.

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

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.