Novel look at EBV 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-11418498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study will explore whether Epstein-Barr virus may contribute to an eye cancer (cSCC) in people living with HIV in Zimbabwe.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $92,408 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA277834-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418498 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Zimbabwe, who are at risk for or diagnosed with conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HIV or those not at risk for cSCC may not benefit directly from this study.
What this research studies
This project focuses on understanding why conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma appears more often in people with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers will examine EBV as a potential infectious driver and collect data from a large group of participants to see if EBV is linked to this cancer. The work involves analyzing samples and clinical information to uncover clues that could lead to earlier detection and better management. If EBV is involved, this could guide future prevention and treatment efforts for patients living with HIV in settings like Zimbabwe.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If EBV is linked to cSCC, we could develop targeted screening and earlier interventions for people with HIV, potentially reducing vision loss and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests viruses can contribute to certain cancers, but evidence for EBV’s role in cSCC is ongoing and this study could provide pivotal data.
Where this research is happening
-
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coghill, Anna — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Coghill, Anna
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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.