Targeted therapies for HIV-related Kaposi sarcoma and lymphoma
Official title: Targeted Therapies for HIV-Associated Kaposi Sarcoma and Lymphoma
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11357655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused look at new targets and drug combinations to treat Kaposi sarcoma and AIDS-related lymphomas in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2011 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $400,156 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA163217-15 |
| Project ID | NIH-11357655 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with HIV-associated Kaposi sarcoma or AIDS-related lymphomas who are candidates for new targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer does not involve the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway or who cannot access targeted therapies may see no benefit.
What this research studies
This grant explores how cancer cells driven by HIV-related factors rely on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and tests new targets, compounds, and combo strategies to block that survival signal. The researchers will use cell-based studies, CRISPR screens, and early drug testing to understand how to more effectively treat KS and AIDS-related lymphomas in people with HIV. Their work aims to guide the development of next-generation therapies that could improve outcomes for patients who face these cancers despite antiretroviral therapy. If successful, the findings could lead to new treatment options that are better tolerated and more effective for HIV-positive patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with HIV-associated KS and lymphomas could have more effective, targeted treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed that mTOR inhibition can reduce tumor growth in models of KS and PEL, supporting exploration of additional targets.
Where this research is happening
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Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dittmer, Dirk P — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Dittmer, Dirk P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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New treatments for Kaposi sarcoma and lymphoma in people with HIV
This project looks for new ways to treat Kaposi sarcoma and lymphoma, common cancers in people living with HIV.
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New ways to screen and predict outcomes for HIV-related cancers in Malawi and South Africa
This study is working to find better ways to detect and understand cancers linked to HIV, like Kaposi sarcoma, cervical cancer, and lymphoma, in Malawi and South Africa, so that people living with HIV can get the help they need more effectively.
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Precision 3D Imaging to Monitor Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) with SkinScan3D
A new portable 3D imaging tool called SkinScan3D will help doctors measure KS skin lesions more accurately and quickly, especially in people living with HIV.
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Precision 3D Imaging to Track Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) with SkinScan3D
A new 3D imaging tool called SkinScan3D helps doctors monitor Kaposi sarcoma lesions more accurately and quickly, especially in settings with high KS burden like East Africa and in U.S. clinics with HIV patients.
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Kaposi Sarcoma care and research in Africa during ART era
A collaborative program to better understand and improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Kaposi sarcoma for people living with HIV in Zambia and Tanzania.
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Kaposi Sarcoma in Africa: ART Era Research Network
A collaborative program in Africa and the United States will study Kaposi sarcoma in people living with HIV on ART to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
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.